Neil Frazer and Others Showcase New Art Exhibitions in Queenstown

Opening on October 16, two new art exhibitions in New Zealand are set to captivate audiences. At Milford Galleries in Queenstown, artist Neil Frazer presents “All at Sea,” while Gallery Thirty Three in Wānaka features “Awaken,” showcasing works by Sean Beldon, Belinda Griffiths, and Kiya Nancarrow. Both exhibitions explore themes of nature, connection, and the fleeting beauty of life.

Neil Frazer’s Exploration of Coastal Beauty

In “All at Sea,” Frazer celebrates the coastline’s dynamic force and beauty, intertwined with a human quest for solace. His technique, characterized by thick, impasto brushstrokes, captures the rhythms of nature. Viewers are drawn into the liveliness of his scenes, where swirling tides and textured landforms evoke the power of the sea.

The collection employs a consistent colour palette, with subtle variations in tone and saturation that enhance each piece’s atmosphere. Notably, works like “Perfect Day” and “Waving Cloud” utilize archways of eroded rock as visual frames, inviting the viewer into a deeper exploration of the landscape. The large-scale piece “Nexus” stands out as the only work devoid of land. Here, the audience is surrounded by the churning sea, evoking feelings of dislocation and unease. The chaotic waves create a visceral experience, leaving viewers with a profound sense of the ocean’s vastness.

“Awaken” and the Quest for Clarity

At Gallery Thirty Three in Wānaka, “Awaken” presents a diverse array of artistic expressions. Sean Beldon‘s “Soon, All Will Be Quiet” focuses on the tranquil beauty of a South Island winter. His oil paintings reflect varying times of day, from bright sunlight on snow to the serene shadows of twilight. These night scenes convey a peaceful stillness, inviting the viewer to hear the quiet whisper of nature.

“Griffiths extends the delicate, ephemeral magic of daybreak,”

capturing those fleeting moments when light first breaks through the trees. Her work encourages viewers to appreciate the beauty in their surroundings, emphasizing the importance of noticing the small details.

Kiya Nancarrow pushes artistic boundaries with her clay sculptures that defy gravity. Her twisting forms represent infinite energy and connection, showcasing a remarkable blend of artistry. Together, the artists in “Awaken” create a stunning exhibition that highlights life’s essential moments of clarity and hope.

A New Addition to the Central Otago Art Scene

The Artē Collective Gallery in Luggate enriches the art landscape by presenting works from six talented artists. Among them, Briar Hardy-Hesson showcases her popular Underwater Ring Objects, combining jewellery with clay forms inspired by marine life. This delightful blend of function and artistry captures the imagination.

Artists Lizzie Carruthers and Sue Rutherford contribute a lively atmosphere to the gallery. Carruthers’ animal portraits provide a skeptical gaze at visitors, while Rutherford’s ceramic hares appear to gaze out thoughtfully. Andi Regan adds a vibrant touch with her dyed nylon birds, creating a stunning visual effect that brings the space to life.

Sophie Melville offers emotive landscapes, with deep jewel tones contrasting against soft watercolour skies. Her use of negative space enhances the interplay of light and shadow, adding depth to her work. Jenny Chisholm‘s landscapes evoke stillness, with golden clouds illuminating the plains below and creating a serene ambiance.

Both exhibitions in Queenstown and Wānaka promise to engage and inspire art enthusiasts. The dynamic expressions of nature and the human experience showcased by these talented artists reflect the richness of New Zealand’s artistic community.