Simon Williams - Our Beloved Land - Exhibition: POSTPONED

The title Our Beloved Land echoes the emotion that many of us, both here and abroad, feel towards the land of our birth or adoption, a bond that has been strengthened through the prism and perspective of recent world events. This awareness, love and understanding of the land resonates to great effect in the paintings of Master New Zealand landscape artist, Simon Williams.

What a rare gift it is, to capture and convey a slice of heaven on earth through an arrangement of brilliantly placed brushstrokes. To transform a blank canvas into an exceptional work of art endowed with the ability to transport the viewer through time and space to the green, green grass of home and beyond. The value and benefits of a special work of art are immeasurable and there is no doubt that certain paintings speak to us on many levels. The paintings featured in this collection, both large and small speak volumes.

For over 30 years Dunedin born Simon Williams has painted what I see and feel, working in England, Australia, the United States, Italy and New Zealand. His paintings are enjoyed by an international clientele, many of whom are expats. These are paintings that fly the New Zealand flag. They are both touchstones and visual ambassadors for our country. From a Lucerne boardroom to an icon painter’s studio on the Isle of Crete, Simon’s paintings are hung and the word is spread.

Our Beloved Land is an exhibition par excellence. Over two year’s of planning, travel, preparation and countless studio hours results in this exceptional offering of paintings, both large and small. Here we see a freshness and refinement of technique with diverse subject matter from throughout the North and South Island. The mustering and droving scenes remind us of New Zealand’s rural foundation and future, whilst other works bring to life the vineyards of Central Otago and the Hawkes Bay. This is an exhibition that gets to the heart of the matter and celebrates Our Beloved Land.

Frances Davies - Director