Artist Graham Young has produced a book of stunning paintings after journeying around New Zealand ‘in search of inspiring things to paint.’ In his introduction, he shares that he is drawn to the ‘ordinary’ rather than the ‘extraordinary’.
It is the details of ramshackle baches, tractors, old barns, vintage vehicles and caravans, and abandoned sheds that make these paintings poignant and nostalgic. For example, the painting near Wedderburn is made more interesting with the inclusion of the old tractor nestled in the corner. For other paintings, there is a sense of the place’s past glory, such as the painting of the Omakau Rail Shed. Many paintings have a sense of serenity, and I’m reminded a little of American artist Andrew Wyeth, not in terms of colour or style, but in the feeling of serenity that the paintings inspire.
Graham Young has exhibited widely in New Zealand, and his work is in collections both here and overseas. New Zealand A Painted Journey is Graham Young’s second book of contemporary art. His first book was the successful Lazy Days.
New Zealand A Painted Journey has created a beautiful visual memory of his travels around Central Otago, the West Coast, Taranaki, Auckland and Northland, that we all can enjoy, and the accompanying text is also insightful and interesting.
Reviewer: Iain McKenzie
New Holland, RRP 34.99