Exhibitions Gallery is excited to invite you to the opening of a joint exhibition with the return of Niels Meyer-Westfeld's exquisite illustrations from the Craig Potton publication, New Zealand Land of Birds and introducing the amazing sculptures of David Brosnahan at 19A Osborne Street in Newmarket, Auckland.

Niels Meyer-Westfeld:
"My father is a passionate lepidopterist and botanist and growing up in Germany, I was lucky enough to accompany him on trips around Europe while he pursued his interest, says Niels. His love of nature inspired me artistically and I've always drawn the flora and the fauna that surrounds me." - Niels Meyer-Westfeld

Love, however, stepped in in the form of Kiwi wife, fashion designer Deborah Sweeney - and Niels packed up his paints and moved to the other side of the globe.

Any spare minute has been spent learning about his adopted country's natural history, particularly the bird-life and in 2006 Niels started sketching the winged creatures who frequented the bush surrounding his Eastbourne home.

Fast forward to October 2014 and Niels' collection of 40 beautifully illustrated birds species is captured in his first book, Land of Birds (Craig Potton Publishing). Inspired by the tradition of naturalist journals, Niels has created a very personal and sensitive tribute to Aotearoa's remarkable birdlife. - Sharon Stephenson, Journalist, Copywriter, PR Consultant)

David Brosnahan:
David Brosnahan's native wood sculptures are a fusion of contemporary New Zealand Maori Art and the Arts of East Asia. He sees his sculptures as helping to shape Aotearoa New Zealand’s evolving and distinctive cultural identity. They are intended to showcase both cultures - mutual respect, connection, understanding and a willingness to grow and learn.

"In the face of growing globalization cultural heritage plays an important part in maintaining cultural diversity. Understanding the cultural heritage of different communities helps with intercultural dialogue, and encourages mutual respect for other people’s ways of life." - David Brosnahan

Opening Tuesday 11 October 6pm – 8pm. Come and meet Niels and David at the Opening.

The exhibition runs until 5 November.