Nga Tamariki O Tane Mahuta raua Ko Tangaroa
Rob Barrington
Opening: March 12 5:30 pm
Viewing: March 11 until March 23
The Children of ‘Tane Mahuta’ the God of the Forest and ‘Tangaroa’
God of fresh water and the Ocean.
A multi-media exhibition showcasing digital art and hand-painted works by Whanganui & 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.
“My view of the birds and stream inhabitants is that they are like jewels with their bright colours, our Taonga, our treasures. It is challenging to recreate something already so beautiful.”
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.
{ Gallery 2 }
This exhibition is part of the Artists Open Studios event so as well as our usual business hours it will be open Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm 15th / 16th + 22nd / 23rd March.
Art Prints of all works in this exhibition are available – A3 $95 or A2 $145 please enquire to sarah@spacestudiogallery.co.nz to purchase an art print.
