The Way the Land Lies II (Mt Eden)

For The Way the Land Lies II (Mt Eden), I found myself reflecting on the last decade of my painting practice, particularly since I began the ‘maunga’ series.

This mountain, Maungawhau / Mt Eden, has become one of my most enduring subjects, and in many ways it feels like a companion to the evolution of the work itself.

Early paintings in the series focused almost entirely on the form of the maunga and its surrounding greenery; over time, the character homes have entered the composition, bringing with them a more explicit sense of human presence. Their inclusion deepens the conversation around home, belonging, and the way we situate ourselves within the land.