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Gareth Barlow, an accomplished painter and carver from the Hutt Valley, Wellington, is a sixth-generation New Zealander whose work is grounded in a deep reverence for both Māori traditions and his own bicultural heritage. His practice reflects a profound connection to Aotearoa’s natural world and cultural identity—drawing from both his New Zealand and Celtic roots to explore themes of memory, spirituality, and belonging.

Working primarily in acrylics and charcoal, Barlow brings a distinct ephemeral quality to his large-scale portraits and symbolic compositions. His works often centre native flora and fauna, particularly birds, rendered with both technical precision and emotional depth. The interplay between fine detail and expressive colour creates an atmosphere that feels at once grounded and transcendent.

In series such as Sharing Memories and the latest body of work, Through The Veil, Barlow turns his attention to the birds of Aotearoa—not only as natural wonders but as cultural icons and spiritual messengers. Deeply embedded in both Māori and Pākehā worldviews, birds serve as kaitiaki (guardians) and as symbols of resilience, identity, and unity. Across Māori and Celtic traditions, birds are viewed as conduits between the physical and spiritual realms—carriers of memory, and perhaps, of messages to those we have loved and lost.

“I like to paint and draw these beautiful animals in large formats so we can explore the details and complexities of these otherwise simple little creatures,” Barlow says. “Maybe it can be a way of getting to know them better—in hope that one day they may listen to us, and take our little message to someone we once loved.”

With each feather rendered, each gaze captured, Gareth Barlow invites us to reflect not only on the beauty of our natural world but on the spiritual and emotional threads that bind us to it—and to each other.

Location

Artbay Gallery