Mixed Media on canvas, stretched and ready to hang.
Signed on the front.
Kokotea is a visionary and unique blend of my work to date. "The Messenger" epitomizes the seamless integration of abstract realism into my broader portfolio. It embodies a deep symbolic resonance through its use of the Krystal Spiral and the iconic New Zealand Tui songbird.
In my early works, I incorporated one, or sometimes two, landscapes in one painting. These often appeared as windows or archways one could look through. There are elements of those works in this one but in a much more sophisticated manner. Also, here, for the first time, really, I am fusing realism with abstraction.
My journey through various art styles results from experimentation and the exploration of emotional and spiritual values. Beginning my career with an element of surrealism and quite influenced by Dali, I later ventured into the complexities of abstracting the landscape.
I think "The Messenger" is a pivotal work in my journey through realism and abstraction. It perfectly blends the two and combines all that has gone before.
The painting is structured around the Krystal spiral, a conceptual energy grid which I have employed as a foundational element. This spiral is not just a visual motif but a symbolic representation of dynamic movement and cosmic connections, suggesting a deeper, spiritual layer of understanding.
It serves as more than just an artistic tool; it is the backbone of the painting, guiding the viewer's eye and emphasizing the flow of energy within the composition. This spiral connects various elements of the painting, enhancing the overall sense of unity and harmony that I was working to portray.
Central to the narrative and visual impact of "The Messenger" is the depiction of the Tui songbird, known in Māori culture as a messenger to the gods. My choice to feature this bird is laden with cultural significance, linking the spiritual and the earthly. The Tui is depicted with vibrant plumage and dynamic posture, seemingly mid-flight, bridging the worlds with its melody.