
Based on New Zealand’s native birds, conservative artist Anna Gibbs is presenting her first ever exhibit in Christchurch titled South Island Songs.
Over a year in the making, Gibbs is ready to showcase her collection of art inspired by New Zealand birds as a heartfelt homage.
Both an artist and an advocate, Gibbs has received acclaim for a multitude of her work to bring awareness and funds to Aotearoa’s endangered and native birds.
Gibbs’ paintings have amassed a loyal following of over 100,000 on her social media.
This exhibit takes a look at her signature style that combines the process gilding with Fairmined 24-carat gold leaf and oil paint glazing, a technique derived from the Dutch Masters and reinvented by the globally renowned New Zealand artist, Tim Wilson.
Gibbs’ exhibit will showcase Tūī, Kererū, and Kārearea, where she often presents the bird as making eye contact with the viewer.
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Through this unusual pose, Gibbs hopes to evoke an emotional connection, while the gilded gold leaf background imparts feelings of scarcity and treasure tied to our irreplaceable native species.
South Island Songs draws inspiration from daily observations on her rural lifestyle block in Banks Peninsula as well as her travels across the country, showcasing a vibrant intersection of art and activism.
“I hope my art not only celebrates the incredible beauty of our native birdlife but also inspires others to take action in protecting these irreplaceable species,” says Gibbs.
“I have been working on this collection for over a year and cannot wait to share these 11 pieces.”
The exhibition will be held from January 30 to February 24 at the Little River Gallery in Christchurch.