Rob Barrington

Nga Tamariki - Pīwakawaka - Print

$150.00 NZD

Sale Sold out

Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size A2 A3

Quantity

Nga Tamariki - Piwakawaka

Dimensions: A2 - 60 x 42cm A3 - 42 x 30cm
Open edition signed Giclee print on Fabriano 220GSM paper

Nga Tamariki O Tane Mahuta raua Ko Tangaroa

The Children of ‘Tane Mahuta’ God of the Forest and ‘Tangaroa’ God the Sea.

A multi-media exhibition showcasing digital art and hand-painted works by Taranaki based artist Rob Barrington.

Initially conceived in 2020 to highlight the streams lost to urban development, this exhibition reflects on the impact of housing, towns, and cities on natural waterways. The collection, which took six months to create, features a soundtrack recorded in 2010 by the Auckland band “Montage,” with Rob on drums.

The artwork re-imagines New Zealand before human settlement, featuring hand-drawn animations of native bird species such as the Tuī, Kereru, and Pīwakawaka. These birds are depicted harmoniously flying over a generic stream, symbolizing any of Aotearoa's many waterways. The Guardian Eagle ‘Owaaku’ oversees the birds and land, leading them across the sky. Meanwhile, the local Taniwha of the river warns of its dangerous beauty as fish gracefully swim in their habitat, reminding us of the knowledge that flows from mountains to the sea.

This exhibition aims to honour New Zealand's unique natural environment, raising awareness about the importance of preserving indigenous wildlife, land, and rivers. It is both a celebration of the country's native wildlife and a testament to the beauty and
diversity of its natural landscapes.

Whanganui was where I built my foundation of art. From 1986,the end of my school years I worked alongside illustrators, mural artists and hand painting sign-writers spending 35 years as a commercial artist in the sign & design industry. During this time I created designs, drawings and paintings, from small magazine cartoon work to large scale murals around New Zealand & Australia. In the background, I still worked on my own artwork as a part time practice.

Since 2020 I have been working as a full-time artist in acrylics & oils on canvas, board, and paper, mixed-media including pen & ink and fine brush. My recent compositions are representations of back stories and experiences throughout my years as an artist, surfer, musician and life in Whanganui, Auckland and Taranaki. Combining these journeys and turning memories into art from the city, surf, and landscapes of Aotearoa NZ. Now working from my newly relocated studio with my family in Taranaki, where the desire for beach & surfing lifestyle is often an inspiration for further creative projects

View full details