Splash 2022 National Exhibition of Watercolour Paintings

The annual Splash exhibition is a highlight of the New Zealand Arts calendar and a not-to-be-missed event. Two exhibitions, Splash 2022 and Ceramicus, each one an outstanding show, are combining again to present a treat for art lovers at the Academy Galleries in Wellington.

This major art gallery is located in the heart of the city in the historic harbour office building at the entrance to Queens Wharf.

This year’s Splash 2022 guest is renowned New Zealand artist, Brian Baxter from Blenheim. Brian became a full-time artist almost 50 years ago and an early success was winning the Kelliher Art Award in landscape in 1977. Brian started as an oil and acrylic painter, and says “ At first I found it challenging to unlearn oil painting techniques, to give up some control and let watercolour talk. Now I appreciate the fresh looseness of watercolours and find that it’s happy accidents can be appealing.”

Brian has enjoyed well deserved success and has a growing reputation as one of New Zealand’s top watercolour artists. He is known for his contemporary realistic landscapes for which he has won several prizes and awards. Brian’s masterly paintings of New Zealand and international scenes promise to be a highlight of the show.

Splash 2022, the national exhibition of Watercolour New Zealand Inc, will feature around 300 paintings by professional and amateur artists from Whangarei to Invercargill. Exhibiting artists include the top names in New Zealand watercolour, among them Adrienne Pavelka, Bernadette Parsons, Svetlana Orinko, Jacky Pearson, Min Kim, Peter Coates, Alfred Memelink, Richard Bolton, Alan Collins, Dianne Taylor, Kimbra Taylor, Joy De Geus, and Roger Daniell.
Images of paintings from the exhibition, posted on Watercolour New Zealand’s facebook page, have attracted interest from art lovers around the world with likes from more than twenty countries. There will be a wide range of paintings to view in a variety of styles and all artworks will be for sale. The variety of style and price ranges will ensure that there will be works to suite all tastes. Many paintings will depict popular local and national scenery. Visitors who would like to watch watercolours being painted are welcome to watch as experienced artists demonstrate their skills. Demonstrations are scheduled for 1 - 3pm on weekends.

Ceramicus is an exciting ceramics collection featuring new and original works by members of the Wellington Potters’ Association with guest artist Karin Ambal. Her work is inspired by nature, including humans maybe people sounds better?, and everyday life. Influenced by growing up in Norway, she likes her pieces to be useful, flexible and open to interpretation, and pass the smile test before she lets them go.
Splash 2022 + Ceramicus is where some of the best New Zealand art comes together to be enjoyed and to inspire. The show offers a feast for art lovers, an exhibition you won’t want to miss.