A fine new series of works was exhibited in May 08 by Auckland artist Annette Isbey.

These oil paintings vary in scale from a large Triptych “Taheke” to smaller figurative landscapes and seascapes. The subject matter while mainly landscapes refer to the artists early recollections as a child growing up in the far north during the depression. The major triptych is actually titled “Taheke” (Water), which was the name of one of the small rural schools Annette attended in the harsh decade of the 1930’s. Water, beaches and waterfalls are a recurring theme of the exhibition as one of the artists fond memories recall the many stunning waterfalls and beaches in the far north. Annette says” I think the origins of these paintings go back to the way I grew up. Much of my early life was spent in the outback country of Hokianga. Although much of my schooling there was poor, my very rich education was in exploring and knowing the land, the hills and the mountains, the creeks and the rivers, the waterfalls. I like to think of waterfalls as being emblematic of New Zealand, the real New Zealand that has escaped so much destructive and unsympathetic modern development”.

Annette and her family moved many times during the depression while her father sought employment and subsequently Annette moved around the area attending several of the small rural schools. The landscape and coast left a lasting impression and the many islands off the coast have been incorporated into these tonal yet rich sea and landscapes. The hills and islands are depicted as majestically sculptural yet quite primitive, recalling early topographical New Zealand landscapes by artists such as Charles Heaphy. These paintings appear as tranquil landscapes several showing soft waves or mill-pond like waters. Repetitive sculptural stone-like figures appear in several landscapes also, a recurring theme in previous and more recent Isbey work. These somewhat furtive figures add a further dimension and foil to the tranquil environment.

Gallery Director, Warwick Henderson states “This is an outstanding show by this senior New Zealand woman artist. The care and passion of almost two years work is very evident in the exhibition and has been well worth the wait. We pride ourselves in presenting exhibitions of the highest quality and this show is no exception”.