Auckland artist John Eaden captures the essential natural elements of the Shetland Islands in Shet Land, an exhibition of new paintings at the Gully Lounge Gallery from 2 - 16 May 2004.

The powerful paintings record Eaden's recent visit to the Shetland Islands. "What I have taken away is the isolation and quiet of the islands - the peace, solitude, atmosphere - " says Eaden.

Painted on returning to New Zealand, the commanding landscapes express the intensity of the barren and windswept islands. Eaden does not paint specific locations. Instead he evokes an impression of travelling through the islands. A sense of the remote islands' overwhelming natural features is offered rather than a detailed depiction. Coastlines, dramatic cliffs and treeless expanses characterise the series.

Shet Land marks a new direction for Eaden who is well-known for his figurative paintings and monochromatic landscapes of the 1980s and 90s. Eaden's use of broad, textural brushstrokes remains. However, the new paintings reveal a shift towards intense colour and simplified forms.

An established painter, Eaden is also known in the local arts community through his role as the Manager at Artstation, Auckland City's community visual arts centre.

SHET LAND EXHIBITION INFORMATION:

Artist: John Eaden
Exhibition: 2 - 16 May 2004
Opening: Sunday 2 May, 2 pm
Location: Gully Lounge Gallery, St Kevin's Arcade, 179 Karangahape Road, Auckland, Email: info@gullylounge.org.nz
Open 7 days, 10 am - 6 pm

For more information and images please contact:
John Eaden ph: 027 554 9161, email: john.eaden@aucklandcity.govt.nz
Eve Armstrong, ph: 377 6066, email: eve.armstrong@aucklandcity.govt.nzAuckland artist John Eaden captures the essential natural elements of the Shetland Islands in Shet Land, an exhibition of new paintings at the Gully Lounge Gallery from 2 - 16 May 2004.

The powerful paintings record Eaden's recent visit to the Shetland Islands. "What I have taken away is the isolation and quiet of the islands - the peace, solitude, atmosphere - " says Eaden.

Painted on returning to New Zealand, the commanding landscapes express the intensity of the barren and windswept islands. Eaden does not paint specific locations. Instead he evokes an impression of travelling through the islands. A sense of the remote islands' overwhelming natural features is offered rather than a detailed depiction. Coastlines, dramatic cliffs and treeless expanses characterise the series.

Shet Land marks a new direction for Eaden who is well-known for his figurative paintings and monochromatic landscapes of the 1980s and 90s. Eaden's use of broad, textural brushstrokes remains. However, the new paintings reveal a shift towards intense colour and simplified forms.

An established painter, Eaden is also known in the local arts community through his role as the Manager at Artstation, Auckland City's community visual arts centre.

SHET LAND EXHIBITION INFORMATION:

Artist: John Eaden
Exhibition: 2 - 16 May 2004
Opening: Sunday 2 May, 2 pm
Location: Gully Lounge Gallery, St Kevin's Arcade, 179 Karangahape Road, Auckland, Email: info@gullylounge.org.nz
Open 7 days, 10 am - 6 pm

For more information and images please contact:
John Eaden ph: 027 554 9161, email: john.eaden@aucklandcity.govt.nz
Eve Armstrong, ph: 377 6066, email: eve.armstrong@aucklandcity.govt.nz