Warwick Henderson Gallery specialises in contemporary and 20th century New Zealand Art. They offer a range of fine art services, from pre-purchase advice, to art consultation, art valuation, secondary sales and artwork installation.
Warwick Henderson represents many prominent New Zealand artists and have staged over 300 exhibitions. The show reviewed here includes the extensive portfolio of works of Herb Foley titled “Among Trees”.
"I have been involved in Art all my life. My math teacher told me I would end up on the end of a brush i.e sweeping the roads, a worthy occupation, looking after the environment, and so I have." Herb Foley
At Eighty-one, Foley continues to paint daily from his home in Kerkeri, where he relocated after the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes. Surrounded by bush, he is at peace with his favourite muse; bushland.
“I feel I paint the most important subject matter there is… without it there is nothing”. Herb Foley
As an artist who travelled extensively prior to settling in New Zealand in 1973, coming to a new land and experiencing the Pacific light and its environment could only work wonders on Foley's work. He is a master of chiaroscuro, conveying dappled light which he effects with paint splatters.
Starting with earthy tones he stages bright reds and blues between the painted foliage, catching the viewer's eye and surprising us with new palettes.
“the images are complex patterns of life. Each painting moves from the undergrowth to the treetops... The undergrowth is populated by creatures, all painted with great subtlety and interwoven so the eye makes small discoveries everywhere.’ TJ McNamara said of Foley’s past works
In Herb’s most recent works his focus has been on scenes from Kerikeri and Wharepuke.
Motifs such as wetas, snails, and birds hide in between the leaves and give the viewer a turn of ‘I Spy', spotting the different subject matter.
The Gallery Director, Warwick Henderson has also curated two touring shows specifically for public institutions, the ‘Toy Show’ and the ‘Games Show’.
The ‘Toy Show’ toured NZ public Institutions including the Auckland Museum for two years.
Every year the Gallery exhibits a group show of Gallery and other leading NZ Artists and a catalogue of New Zealand Fine Art.