Friends of Auckland Botanic Gardens, Artist in Residence Programme
Friends of Auckland Botanic Gardens, Artist in Residence Programme
This summer, artist Neal Palmer will be exhibiting work in the Huakaiwaka Visitor Centre and interacting with visitors to the Gardens in his role as Friends of the Gardens Visiting Artist 2023.
On display will be a selection of work from Neal’s own collection as well as pieces on loan from Art Associates (art rentals) and Föenander Galleries, Neal’s representative gallery, plus a selection of limited edition prints.
Neal has been working with botanical subject matter for 20+ years as a full-time practising artist exploring native and exotic plant species, some of which he has returned to repeatedly, that have come to represent particular meaning to him. This, along with the individual plants own histories and cultural importance, inform the stories and meaning Neal assigns to his work. Within a botanical framework Neal works through artistic experimentation of composition, mark making, scale, colour and form.
Neal’s approach to the Botanic Gardens residency will involve building a wall of work, taking a closer look with particular focus on details of the plant collection, to form a portrait of the gardens.
Neal will work on paper so that he can explore the plant collection through plein air and studio drawing and painting, as well as experimenting with bark rubbing and photographic images. The idea is to create a growing expanse of works over the time of the residency that function together as a single wall work covering as much of the gallery wall space as possible. People who return over the weeks will see the work gradually coming together like a giant jigsaw puzzle. Neal will use a variety of media and processes to explore and expand his response to the botanical forms he enjoys working with.
Neal aims to inspire a sense of discovery that will also be shared through workshops held during the residency.
Neal will be available throughout his residency to talk with visitors and staff to gain a deeper knowledge of botanical subjects. His Facebook and Instagram pages will be updated to keep visitors informed of his daily activities as well as a visual diary of the unfolding work.
To follow Neal’s social media:
Facebook – Neal Palmer artist
Instagram - @nealpalmerartist