Abbie Wood
Floating
Photograph
My work is all about exploring the ebb and flow of nature, inspired by ordinary everyday objects and botanicals developed through new perspectives. I started by experimenting with reflections created by ripples of water over florals. The organic flow of light has become a connector between my work as it has progressed over time. I believe there is beauty in peace and simplicity.
Age 19
$265
Abigail Craig
A Stormy Night
Acrylic
Whenever there was a night with lightning and thunder, I was always intrigued to watch the sky to see if I could catch a glimpse of the lightning. I always loved the gloominess of those nights and now that I’ve grown up, the love for those nights hasn’t died, it’s only grown. So, to try and represent that love for gloominess I chose to do an oil painting with only a black and white palette. I started with my base, a night sky with some white fog to give it depth and a silhouette of a hill. Then when I felt good with that I moved onto the clouds, my original plan was to only have one big cloud at the top so that the lightning could stand out the most but as I went on, I realized that more clouds were necessary as I think they helped bring in more of the gloominess aspect that I wanted to capture. To finish the painting, I then finally added the lightning and added some white to brighten up the clouds around the lightning strikes to help it all blend together.
Age 18
NFS
Third Secondary School
Addison Schwirtlich
Beach Boy
Acrylic
When creating this painting, my goal was to evoke cherished memories of past beach visits and inspire thoughts of joyful times yet to come. The painting features a young boy standing on a sandy beach, with gentle water washing over his bare feet. In the background, a charming villa and a vibrant sky set the scene. I employed a warm color palette to convey the sense of serenity often experienced during a beach walk. The sky’s colors are blended to achieve the appearance of fluffy clouds, while shadows in the corners direct the viewer’s gaze toward the boy at the center. The brightness of the sky contrasts with the beach’s hues, giving the sky an almost ethereal quality. For the boy, I aimed to capture a sun-kissed look by using redder tones for his skin and ensuring his reflection appears in the water. The color and composition helps create a sense of peace and nostalgia, inviting viewers to connect with their own beach memories and anticipate future seaside adventures.
Age 17
$200
Abby Rogers
Stare
Sketch on painted background
A collage of photos with my sister and I.
Age 15
NFS
Aidan Gray
For the all
Coloured markers on paper, ink spray printed
Aidan Grey, a man with Down’s Syndrome, has cultivated a creative practice that is uniquely his own. His art has a dynamic blend of energy and movement, featuring multi-coloured works defined by distinct lines from markers. Each shape and pattern is deliberately placed, reflecting Aidan’s meticulous approach to his work. Predominantly non-verbal, Aidan finds joy, peace and a powerful means of communication through his creativity. He creates art consistently throughout the day, his concentration only broken by moments of joyful dance. Aidan has amassed hundreds of work in both 2D and 3D. “For the Wall” invites viewers to experience the world through Aidan’s eyes, revealing the depth and beauty of his inner world with carefully crafted line and colour.
Age 21
NFS
2D Winner
Alex Heather
OHIO
Mixed Media
For Alex Heather, the creative process is not linear. As a teenager with autism, he is not bound by conventional methods of creating and is comfortable in adopting new strategies. His creations are vibrant and compelling, with a humorous perspective. Despite the intensity of his work, Alex finds a serene calmness in the action of creating, allowing him to focus and express himself fully. His gridded work “OHIO” is diverse, ranging across various subject matter and techniques, showcasing his versatility. Each piece is a vivid exploration of his thoughts and emotions, bearing his signature “OHIO” like a graffiti artist’s tag. The work stands as a testament to his unique perspective and expressive spirit. Alex’s creations are not just art; they are windows into his extraordinary mind, inviting viewers to experience the world through his eyes, challenging perceptions and celebrating the power of unbound creativity.
Age 17
NFS
Alexa Hale
Deep in Thought
Drypoint on cotton with thread
Deep in thought is a response to when one thinks alone, contemplating the future and where to go next.
Age 17
NFS
Alexandra Linton
Desert Flight
Acrylic on canvas
Inspired by the wedge-tailed eagles that live in Australia. Wedge-tail eagle on the hunt over desert sands.
Age 17
NFS
Alexis Clifton
Midnight Bloom
Acrylic
I used acrylic paint for this as it is the primary medium at which I excel. The reason I decided to paint is because, for me, it is an excellent way to release stress. I decided to do a midnight blue background for my painting as it added a bit of mystery. I used new techniques for the flowers, as the petals have an ombre. I want people to feel happy and intrigued when they look at Midnight Bloom. The bright colours on the dark background make for an excellent contrast of colours and feelings. The inspiration for this piece came from a vase of flowers I admired at my nana’s house a few months back and the serene night sky. To me, this painting represents the belief that even in darkness, there’s always something bright and colorful waiting for someone to discover it.
Age 21
NFS
Amelia Mckelvey
Cry Baby
Pencil on paper
Fanart of crying child who is also known as the bite victim of 1983 from the horror game Five Nights At Freddy’s. A simple backstory of this character is that he is the youngest child out of 3 children. He has an older brother and sister who is only a year or two older. His father is a serial killer who owns a franchise restaurant with animatronics. This kid is known as the crybaby because he cried a lot and had nightmares of those animatronics built by his father. He eventually gets killed at the age of 6/7 from his brother shoving his head into one of the animatronics’ mouths as a prank. This Is called the bite of 83 due to the fact it happened in 1983.
Age 15
$80
2nd Overall
Amelia Prestidge
Garden Walk
Acrylic on canvas
Although there is no special meaning behind this painting “Garden Walk” is about the fun and freedom of being outside. I wanted to show how nice and adventurous life can be, even in the little things, like taking a ‘Garden Walk’. The bright vermillion berries on the tree branch make me think of summe and all the fun times with it, and the sneakers remind me ofrunning around and exploring the outdoors. In this painting, I combined the berry branch with the sneakers to show how connected we are to nature, even if we don’t notice it. The details in the fruit and leaves are meant to draw you in and make you think about your own connection or experiences with nature. I used bold and bright colours and different textured brushstrokes to create detail and make the painting pop out. My goal is to get people to see the beauty in ordinary moments and appreciate the world around them. “Garden Walk” is a detailed acrylic painting about the simple, yet delightful, joys of being and connecting with nature.
Age 14
SOLD
Toi Maori Highly Commended
Annay Sari Erena Hale
Time Stamp
Mixed medium on drop canvas
This piece represents how maybe in a different time we would have got to witness these beautiful creatures living among us. Such as turehu, patupaiarehe and marakihau. I wanted to portray these figures through my imagination. My goal for this piece was to be as free as I possibly could. There were times where I struggled but I am proud to put my imagination onto a canvas where everyone can get a little glimpse into my imagination.
Age 21
NFS
Annelise Mere Haenga
Empathy
Acrylic on canvas
I’ve grown up as a Christian my entire life but I began to feel less connected to my religion after intermediate. And so I went to a Christian camp this year with very little enthusiasm. But while I was there I became aware of things I was going through that I hadn’t previously. I talked in a small group about something I hadn’t yet come to terms with and instead of being judged, they prayed for me. I hadn’t felt anything at first, but then I was prayed for again and again. While I didn’t see God directly there is no doubt in my mind that the empathy I felt from the good people at that camp was a true blessing. So I wanted to recreate the empathy I felt then through this piece of art. Talking about issues we’ve gone through is hard, especially when we don’t feel like we have the right to share. But when others extend their kindness and show us grace, we learn to speak up. My take from that camp would be that it’s never not okay to reach out and accept the empathy of others, and we should whenever we get the chance.
Age 14
NFS
Arabella Mercedes Waugh
Lavender
Oil on ply
In this painting I have tried to depict the feeling of being alone, confused, scared and sore in an Epileptic seizure. I have Epilepsy and my most recent seizure was a couple of weeks before I began this painting. I lost a lot of memory in that seizure so I have tried to depict that helpless feeling of trying to remember. The seahorse symbolises the Hippocampus, a small part in the brain that causes seizures. The Lavender flowers and the colour purple also symbolise Epilepsy. It can be a scary condition to live with, sometimes you don’t feel safe alone, as a seizure can strike at any time. It messes with your memory and personality and often leaves you injured. This painting is dedicated to all the people in the world who suffer with Epilepsy.
Age 16
NFS
Asha Winta White
Lady Bug
Acrylic
Inspired by my Grandmothers love of all things garden. Taking in all its beauty but highlighting the little creatures we sometimes over look when taking in all of the surroundings. Each and everything having its own place whilst being part of a larger picture.
Age 18
$50
Ava Hashemi
The Woven Kiss of Life
Acrylic on canvas
“The Woven Kiss of Life” captures a moment of
transcendence and eternal beauty through the delicate embrace of a Persian lady and a phoenix. Rooted in the rich tapestry of Persian miniature art, this piece exudes a deep connection to Persian culture and tradition. The phoenix, a symbol of immortality and rebirth, holds profound significance in Persian mythology, representing resilience and the cyclical nature of existence. The lady’s traditional, flowing garments evoke the grace and elegance characteristic of Persian art, enhancing the scene’s ethereal quality. The presence of a second phoenix further emphasizes themes of duality and balance, symbolizing harmony between life and the eternal. This artwork serves as a bridge to the viewer, inviting a journey into the depths of Persian heritage, where every brushstroke tells a story of cultural pride and timeless wisdom. By embracing the phoenix, the lady not only revives the mythical bird but also rekindles the viewer’s connection to Persian history and artistic expression. “The Woven Kiss of Life” is more than an artwork; it is a vivid homage to the enduring spirit of Persian culture, inviting all to partake in its beauty and legacy.
Age 15
Bella Keenan
Caeles Gelata (Sky Jelly)
Tea bags, acrylic, pencil, charcoal on paper
I took inspiration from Brent Wong and his floating geometric shapes. I thought it would be surreal to have a giant life form (in this case a jellyfish) floating in the sky, in what is essentially an alien environment for it. I chose tea as a coloring medium as opposed to normal paints and dyes to further the organic theme of my monochromatic artwork. I chose the name “Caeles Gelata” because it is Latin for “Sky Jelly”.
Age 16
$50
Directors Choice
Blake Tanner
Jack and Jill
Oil
Jack and Jill climbed the hill with grace, One seeking love’s warm, electric embrace. Jack’s circuits hummed, love’s sparks set free, Yearning for his own heart’s
harmony. Longingly Jack sat, feeling so bleak, Love’s illusion fading, his heart too weak. In shattered circuits, a sombre dance, A melancholy robotic romance. - As with many of my paintings featuring robots, my goal is to portray them in a state of newfound/blossoming or struggling human emotion, attempting to find their way in the world through a purpose or feeling that ignites their soul. Perhaps not that far separated from what many individuals are searching for in the modern world around us. This piece was intended as a somewhat melancholy romantic tale of love or longing for something, or someone that although so close, may feel unobtainable. Despite this somewhat solemn feeling, there remains a flicker of hope that perhaps with a little nurturing and a leap of faith, it may blossom into something miraculous. However sometimes no matter how hard you try, you can’t bring yourself to reach out and embrace it, instead watching it fade to a distant comfort, something to be admired or a thought to be cherished but never attained...
Age 24
$1950
Brodie Jordan Atarau Embling
Luminous
Charcoal on paper
The definition of naked is to be unprotected or vulnerable, whereas, the definition of nude is simply to be unclothed. When viewing the human body as nude, you are viewing it as an artwork, because it is this beautiful art form that we should be able to appreciate without sexualising it. Social media has co-opted the way we engage with the nude female presenting body. with digital filters and make-up tutorials meeting drastic eating plans from pseudo-wellness influencers as well as extreme surgery before and after's. The body as a vessel for incredible physical feats as well as the storage for a vast array of emotions, memories, and experiences is what I am highlighting within this work. the materials are connecting the viewer back to simple elements and show mark making and gesture that come together to make a work that holds the body in a caring creative state.
Age 19
NFS
Briyah Carse
The Lady of the Night
Pencil on paper
Age 15
$80
Brooklyn Ardern
The Battle
Ink spray print from pencil drawing 1:5
Brooklyn Ardern’s reimagining of “Where the Wild Things Are” transforms the story into something much more profound. His version, “The Beast,” is not just a tale – it’s an exploration of the human mind and heart.The work depicts a frightening creature grappling with self-loathing and depressive thoughts. This creature pleads with a human for help, capturing the essence of struggles faced by many due to their differences. Ardern’s depiction is a powerful plea for understanding, acceptance, and connection, even when it seems impossible.This artwork invites us into a space where authenticity and vulnerability are central. It challenges our beliefs and sparks meaningful conversations about the difficulties we face in life. “The Beast” encourages us to reflect on ourselves and delve into the complexities of our identities.By reimagining this classic story, Ardern speaks to our innermost fears and desires. He pushes us to embrace our true selves and recognise the shared struggles of those around us.The work is a moving reminder of the power of empathy and the importance of reaching out to others in their times of need.
Merit 15-19 years
Celina Ramsdale
Seeds of a Pomegranate
Printmaking and thread
This is an etching printed onto fabric and stitched into. It is inspired by the Greek mythology story of
Persephone and the pomegranate used to trap her.
Age 17
NFS
Charlie Lister-Hardman
The War of the Strong
Pencil
The world is crumbling at its knees at the power of the fighters. This is a fight not to be the strongest but a fight for freedom. This is my personal artwork of 10 great warriors or more so 9 great warriors but don’t mind that. The man in the Black robe with the dark aura he is obviously the strongest, but he is a loner that only wants power and has pushed away his friends and family to get this far. Therefore, on the other team is a giant sword using warrior with a kinder heart, so I changed his colours to be brighter to show he is ore free spirited. But the other Pale warrior I was just talking about Had a limited 3 colour palette to show he was locked into the path of evil. All of the other people had quite a bit of time spent on it such as the Flame Yari wielder (Yari being an ancient Japanese spinning spear.) who was facing a portal master with a yellow katana. And the purple fire guy with an eyepatch. The point is I put a lot of work into this. So, this is my piece “The War of The Strong.”
Age 13
NFS
Charlotte Haskell
Watched
Acrylic
My artwork was inspired by the feeling of our ancestors watching over us. I used hands in a waythat I hope looks as if they are ever present, not quite touching us but there in the background. The flowers represent the calm beauty in life as well as how short life can be. I decided to paint pearls around the woman’s neck as they acted as a connection to my grandmothers, as they both wear and wore pearl jewellery. I chose dark blue for the top as, for me, it represents stability and gives a sense of serenity. I used fish as a decoration around the top as it reminds me of the symbol for infinity, the endless loop, and is also based on a painting by Rita Angus.
Age 14
NFS
Toi Maori Winner
Charlotte Stark
Te Pakanga
Ink pens, acrylic paint and coffee
Taranaki Maunga was said to once have lived in the central North Island amongst three other fierce mountains[Tongariro, Tauhara and Puutauaki. Mt Pīhanga was the only female around and the cause for three of the mountains moving away. All four valiant warriors fought for Mt Pīhangas affection with Tangariro being the victor. The mountains had no reason to stay so they departed at night and when the sun rose there they stayed forever. “Ka haere au ki te toowene-tanga o te raa.” Said Taranaki [i shall go to the setting place of the sun] he headed west gouging out the Whanganui awa and leaving big kohatu(rocks) on the way. It is said Taranaki still hurls taunts at the victorious Tongariro. Every line, pattern and pou pou like figures you see on this paper is connected to this Māori myth. Nga mihi nui Charlotte tark.
Age 21
Charlotte Williamson
Deep Dive
Plastercine on plaster of paris
My theme was under the sea, I used plaster of paris to mould a milk bottle. I explored with different colours of plastercine, creating and individually sticking each piece onto my bottle. Starting with a plastic bottle is not only great reusing and recycling but shows that one persons trash is another’s treasure.
Age 13
NFS
Chelsea Babalcon
Te Ara o Tāne Mahuta
Photograph
This photograph of Dawsons Falls in New Zealand evokes a profound sense of majestic vibes. Walking through the lush, ancient forest paths, it feels as though you are journeying through a realm under the protection of Tāne Mahuta, the Māori god of forests and birds. This image invites you to experience the sacred beauty of New Zealand’s timeless woodlands.
Age 16
NFS
Chloe Fenning
Double Negative
Photograph
In this photograph, my model Adrianne Zaros, can be seen standing off center with strange light and her own figure replica surrounding her. This represents teenagers of this day in age, feeling the need to hide their true selves and put on ‘a mask’ but still feeling wrong and different no matter who the make themselves into, this discomfort can be seen on the models face... Both versions, both identities are negative, a double negative. I chose to take this photograph because this feeling and idea is something I have related to in the past and I feel it is important to represent.
Age 16
NFS
Courtney Beattie
The Unknown
Oil paint, graphite
The idea of the unknown is different to everyone.
Feeling unknown in yourself that you truly get. Not knowing how you feel is strange. Wishing you knew how you felt. Most of the time you don’t. Feeling numb but also so alive, happy, carefree. Mixed emotions round-the-clock. Not knowing where you are going or where the path is leading, feeling lost in your head and in yourself, trying to find a new path into the unknown ahead. Wanting to know longer hear the voices in your head, no longer wanting them to stay. So many people around, yet no one is truly there to stay. No one truly understanding you, feeling lost in your ways. Hiding from the light of day in the gloomy fog as the darkness brings something the light cannot. Astonishing how you don’t know someone as well as you think. Being strangers or the luckiest of friends. Everyone has a different path into their unknown. Blissfully free but utterly alone.
Age 17
SOLD
Crystal Ammundsen
The Purple Storm
Acrylic
Inspiration came from the most magnificent purple sunset that I have seen in Taranaki. 15 mins from this moment however a dark thunderous storm blew in. Howlng winds and crashing waves replaced the purple haze. I hope this inspires you to look for the beauty before the storm, the light before the dark and peace before the chaos. Nature is my biggest inspiration. May you look for the beauty all around you. Whether it the early morning dew or the last golden rays of the setting sun.
Age 15
NFS
Darwish Ridzuan
Fragile Horizons
Gouache, water colour, acrylic, plaster
When I was small, I went to the park with my two brothers and my father. We spent the afternoon exploring, and I decided to venture a bit farther on my own. I creeped past a dirt wall and spotted two birds flying beautifully in the air, as if they were in a tango. One of them was a tūī, easily recognisable with its distinctive features, most notably its poi fluttering through the air, but the other bird, although striking with its orange plumage, was unfamiliar to me.
Inspired by this encounter, I depicted the unknown bird as a kākā dancing through in the air alongside the tūī and its captivating poi. I created this painting not just to capture a moment from my childhood but also to spread awareness about the ever-increasing catastrophe of pollution. The thought that these birds might go extinct in the future deeply troubles me. I worry that the enchanting experiences I had as a child, watching these birds in their natural habitat, might not be available to future generations. Through my art, I hope to inspire others to take action to preserve our environment and protect the beautiful endemic life.
Age 15
$500
Elise Jamieson
It’s Not What It Seems
Inkjet photograph
While on top of Mount Maunganui during my summer holiday, I was amazed by the beauty of the beach from a bird’s eye view. I aimed for my photo to capture the vastness of the beach, showing off the large amount of golden sand and the light blue ocean. From this height everything seemed small, starting my realization of life’s vast size. Through my photo I wanted to show that our problems are often smaller than we perceive them to be in the large scheme of things. This perspective is important for understanding the true size of the world and the relative importance of our concerns and how it’s not what it seems. I hope my photo shows off the beautiful Bay of Plenty and also the message that everything isn’t actually as big as we imagine it to be, and it just depends on how we see it and the perspective we take which I learnt while on top of the Mount.
Age 16
NFS
Elise Vesty
Shaded Climb
Photography
This image, which I have named “Shaded Climb” caught my eye as I rounded the last corner of the Marsland Hill bush track. The various shapes and shadows made by the sunlight filtering through the leaves seemed to be positioned in a way that highlighted the many imperfections they had. That, and the way these old steps curve around as they ascend gave a central focal point of interest. After many photos that were taken that day, I hadn’t come across anything that captured my attention as well as this shot did. My first photo was in colour but I found that this didn’t quite showcase the reasons why I liked this simple scene. I changed the camera settings to monochrome and shot again. Instantly this made the mood of the photograph look and feel more dramatic. What I see here may differ to what others see, but that’s the point of art and photography.
Age 15
Elisha Black
The Dragon
Acrylic
In the journey of self-discovery, there comes a crucial moment when you stand before a mirror. Your reflection reveals more than just your physical appearance; it reflects the depths of your soul. Through this introspective gaze, you unearth layers of resilience, spirit, and determination, realising that your true inner strength surpasses your external image. It is the fire burning in your eyes, the courage etched on your face, and the unwavering bravery in your heart. The longer you gaze into the mirror, you begin to recognise the presence of the dragon within you. This dormant force symbolises your untapped potential, brimming with energy and vitality. It embodies your capacity to face challenges, conquer obstacles, and pursue your dreams with passion. Your body holds more value than mere flesh and bone; it is your temple, a manifestation of your power and vibrancy within, housing the wrath of your inner dragon. Ultimately, this dragon is your powerful ally, granting you the key to a future filled with hope, possibility, and boundless potential.
Age 21
$570
Elizabeth Maindonald
Friends in Higher Places
Pencil
This Drawing symbolises the love of friendship not just in animals but in our lives, your friend might live far away but does that mean you stop loving and caring about them?. Friends will always be with you no matter how far away you are, the bond you have will never break. It will always be in your heart no matter where you are.
Age 14
NFS
Emma Eagar
Ocean Wave
Acrylic
For my cousins who is scared of the ocean.
Age 16
$129
Georgia Reid
Cremini Daydream
Acrylic on wet strength paper
This painting represents the illusion of daydreaming and how it feels to spiral into your imagination and let the day slip away as you slowly drift away from the reality of life. It’s a representation of dreamscapes or our subconscious minds at play. Mushrooms symbolises higher perspective, the painting shows the perspective of our subconscious minds and how they may portray things we may not be aware of foreshadowing unseen events in our lives.
Age 18
NFS
First-Time Entrant Winner
Greer Lock
Bees and Flowers
Pencil and embossing
This is a series of three A5 embossings. I orginally did these for my school art board but i really liked the way they looked so i decided to enter them in this exhibition. These embossing’s include subject matter of bees and flowers. Along with this I used doilies because I wanted the texture from it. I used the doily to enhance the subject matter that I used.
Age 16
NFS
Winner Secondary School
Greer Upson
Awakino Gorge
Acrylic
This work is inspired by the many road trips I have done with my family. The reference for this painting is an image I took while driving through the Awakino Gorge when I was captured by the way that the light appeared on the hills and water. It is a memory of my childhood and my travels throughout the North Island.
Age 17
$220
Hannah Payne
A Portrait of Sadness
Pencil
This work was based on a common emotion - sadness. It’s about a girl who is lost in her own thoughts, remembering all the negative things people have said to her. The thoughts gather and overwhelm her thinking. We aren’t just born knowing what all bad words mean, we are taught them. That we use these words to make others sad upsets me. I chose to name it ‘A portrait of sadness’ because sadness is something we all carry with us silently. You can never know what is going on in another person’s life, or head. I like how my artwork shows a multitude of different thoughts gathering above her head like clouds. You might only say one thing to someone, but it might add to the other negative thoughts they’d already collected. It’s the combined weight of the feelings that becomes overwhelming. In some way, I think this artwork relates to everyone, as we all experience a kind of pain.
Age 13
NFS
Hannah Symes
Pacific Sunset
Acrylic
Age 13
$80
Taranaki Foundation Choice
Heather Phillips
Desolate
Graphite and gouache
His eyes are the most striking feature of his face. They are dark and deep, like pools of sorrow. They have seen too much, suffered too much, lost too much. They speak of hunger, homelessness, hopelessness. They are the eyes of a boy who has been abandoned by the world, a boy who lives in the shadow of the New
Zealand housing crisis, a boy who has no voice.
Age 21
$385
Holly Jackson
Wire Spirals
Wire
This sculptural work is approximately 60 metres of braided wire, all shaped and pinned by hand to compliment the contours of its dress form base. This piece was initially out of my norm media wise as I normally work with ink and paper, however the subject of the female form and pattern is something that the majority of my work is based on.
Age 18
NFS
Hui Yi Fong
Blocks
Acrylic
This was a painting I had done for my painting class at school. This painting was a learning experience for me as not only did the painting turn out well, it also made me more appreciative of the abstract style of painting. In this painting I also wanted to experiment with the colour palette and was very happy with the outcome.
Age 17
NFS
Isa Saulon
Nulla
Oil on wood
Nulla, standing in the centre in black contrasts the other character in the centre top, Lunette in white who almost bares the same features as her. I like designing characters and I wanted to paint the concept of purity and impurity and also identity through characters. Impurity stands alone while purity is displayed as beautiful and elegant through many symbolic objects that are framed in gold. Lunette is the other half of Nulla, an idealistic persona that Nulla will never be able to achieve. Painted with oil paints on wood.
Age 17
NFS
Isabel Jury
Freedom
Acrylic
Sitting in the sounds of the ocean gives you the ultimate feeling of freedom.
Age 26
NFS
Isabelle Theobald
Tui
Acrylic
Looking out from my house into bush and farmland, I was inspired to paint the native birds that I saw. Starting with the Tui that fed off of the spring blossoms and harakeke on my driveway. Finding an image online, I adapted it to reflect my surroundings. I added the deep greens of the native bush to the background, specifically matching the colours of the puriri leaves beside my house. To give contrast, and keeping it native, (also because Tui love them) I placed the bird on flowering harakeke. You’ll notice these flowers are significantly less detailed than the Tui, this is because I wanted to keep the focus on the bird, as it is the star of the show after all.
Age 16
NFS
Izzabelle Brocklehurst
The Searing Flames of Love
Acrylic
One day In my art class we were painting kaitiaki, and I saw someone who was a familiar face to me, Mahuika the maori deity of fire. My primary school always gave out certificates every assembly, there was certificates with these cool looking People, and one had captured my attention, this was surprise surprise Mahuika, I loved the certificates with Mahuika because of the colours, I have always loved the hotter colours such as red, orange and yellow, and she had such piercing eyes, although I never got many because of the fact I was a little trouble maker. I Found out Mahuika was the consort of Auahitūroa, the origin of fire and persona of comets, and I thought about how their love would’ve ignited a flame in their hearts (bad joke), So I chose to paint younger versions of the two lovingly staring in one another’s eyes. The time spent into making this would be approximately between 26-30 hours Despite the obstacles on my path I carried on and created one of my best artworks yet.
Age 14
SOLD
Jaela Fahy
The Mask
Charcoal
Hi my name is Jaela im 17 and I created this piece known as “The mask”. In my artwork I work primarily with led pencils and charcoal. By using this combination I feel I can create a realistic piece of art that captures every detail. My inspiration for this piece was a tv show where I saw a boy painted over in a skeleton-like mask. This intrigued me because it was such an interesting concept and reminded me of Halloween. I like how this piece is quite creepy in a way but intrigues you even more because of it. Most of my artworks are portraits of celebrities or tv show characters. In the past I started with doing animal portraits, such as dogs, since then I have moved onto doing portraits of people. I like doing portraits as I enjoy the process of drawing, shading and seeing it all come together. The eyes of the portrait is my favourite part to do.
Age 17
NFS
Jayden Foster
Thing
Clay
This artwork is clay sculpture depicting a sentient hand standing on their fingers and is covered with stitches, the sculpture is constructed using an inner framework of wire and tape to form the shape of the hand and wrist, which is then covered with air dry clay and molded into the shape of a hand, five grooves were cut into the hand and a series of holes are dotted along each side of those grooves, once the clay had hardened acrylic string was cut, placed and glued into the holes to create the effect of stitches over the grooves, on the sculpture there are also fingernails modeled onto the end of each finger and light hatching all over the sculpture to create a slight skin texture, glue was used to improve the structural stability and fix any cracking that occurred during drying, the sculpture can stand on its own but, a small stand was created using hot glue that sits under the palm and helps with the overall stability of the sculpture. The sculpture is inspired by the character of Thing from the Addams Family, specifically the series Wednesday, and while Thing is usually depicted being right-handed the sculpture is left-handed.
Age 24
$200
James White
Kaitiaki Rakau
Acrylic
Kaitiaki Rakau is a guardian of the forest. He serves Tāne-mahuta to protect Aotearoa’s native flora and fauna from deforestation. He sabotages equipment and frightens workers to stop them from destroying our native habitats.
Age 15
NFS
Jamesen Poole
Forzen Sentinel: The Last Stand of the Snow Trooper
Photograph
In this photograph, I have captured a Lego Star Wars Snow Trooper Miniature navigating through a snow-covered forest landscape. The scene depicts a moment of isolation and struggle as the trooper braves a fierce snowstorm. Through photography and digital manipulation this photograph is a blend of imaginative storytelling and technical craftsmanship, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of resilience and perseverance. By combining physical artistry with digital enhancement, I aimed to create a visually compelling narrative that transports viewers into the captivating world of Lego Star Wars. This work represents my passion for merging creativity with technical skills, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling within the realm of Lego photography.
Age 18
SOLD
Highly Commended
Jasper Rhodes
Põtiki
Photograph
This photograph’s title, ‘pōtiki,’ suggests the subject’s relation to myself. It was captured after a long day, where she was caught in a moment thinking about it. I aimed to highlight the intimacy and trust between her and me, without which the photo could not have happened. Like Renaissance portraits, not knowing the subject’s identity leads us to ponder their story, creating more questions than there are answers. Every freckle, every strand of hair, and every detail continues this story. When people see this photo, I wish for them to spend time in the detail, and reflect on the
relationships in their life that are important to them, as the subject is to me. As you gaze into her eyes, she gazes back. Not even I know the full extend of her thoughts, which leaves us all with something to think about. Ngā mihi taku pōtiki mō āhei i ahau e hopu tēnei whakaahua o koe.
Age 15
NFS
Jeanne Taroma
Two World
Acrylic
“Two World” “I once believed my life would be black and white, but it’s golden….like Daylight.” When I was a child, my parents told me that I have severe disease to the point I almost died. I grew up in the family that very religious, but I felt like I was the problem. And when I grew up, I experienced a lot of problems, academic pressure, and felt unloved. I felt insecure every day, that I am not good enough to do things, and always compare myself to others, and I always think that I’m not enough. In that time, the way I see myself is miserable, and there is a thing that I’ve always search for. I felt like I am completely incomplete. But then, like a sunrise breaking over the horizon, I found Jesus. His presence entered my life like a burst of golden daylight, casting aside the shadows and flooding my world with brilliant light. It was as if someone had switched on a light inside my soul, revealing colors I had never seen before. Jesus’ presence serves colour on my life. My heart, once heavy with the weight of shadows, was now light and free, illuminated by the presence of Jesus. The journey from black and white to golden daylight was not just a change of perspective, but a profound rebirth a testament to the life-changing power of His love. And so, my story continues, a vibrant canvas painted with the colours of grace and the golden light of Jesus, forever shining brightly in the daylight of His love. This painting was inspired by Taylor Swift song titled “Daylight.” Through this painting, I expressed my experienced between two different worlds. And to serve as a reminder that You are Important, You are Enough, and You are Loved by Jesus.
Age 15
NFS
Jessica Taunt
La Papillion Tutu
Tulle, velvet, organza tutu, bengaline and velvet bodice
This tutu was constructed and decorated by myself, as part of the Royal New Zealand Ballet Tutus on Tour 2023 programme. The piece is called ‘Le Papillion’ meaning butterfly. This tutu has 9 layers of tulle gattered onto a basque and stretchy knicker. The bodice is structured and attached to the tutu by elastics for ease and comfort of movement while the performer dances. The whole costume took 40 -50 hours to pattern, cut out, construct and decorate, it then was performed in for 20 – 25 shows around the country.
Age 26
NFS
Jessica Woods
Dusk Sailing
Acrylic
This artwork is very special to me as it is of my second home Pauanui. This painting is my childhood memories on a canvas. Sitting at on the beach in a warm evening watching the boats heading back after fishing out on the islands all day. Helping my dad fish and then watching him surf. It’s all my happiness in one artwork.
Age 16
NFS
Jonathan Abplanalp
Fiery Embrace of Dawn
Photograph
ChatGPT As my alarm pierced the early morning silence at 5:00 am, I groggily reached to hit the snooze button, stealing a few precious minutes in the comfort of my bed. Eventually, shaking off the last remnants of sleep, I sprang into action, hastily donning my boots and dashing out the door. Racing against time, I drove to Stratford Plateau with a singular goal in mind: reaching Humphries Castle on Mt. Taranaki before the sun breached the horizon. But against the odds, I arrived just in time. With my Canon EOS 600 in hand, I captured the moment the sun’s golden rays pierced through the obstinate clouds, casting a radiant glow over the landscape below. To me, this photo symbolizes resilience and unwavering determination. It’s a reminder that no matter the obstacles we face or the doubts that may cloud our path, our inner light can pierce through the darkness, illuminating our journey with brilliance and hope. Just as the sunlight triumphantly breaks through the veil of clouds, we too can rise above adversity and shine brightly, undimmed by the shadows cast by others.
Age 26
NFS
Jordyn Coplestone
#47
Photograph
Let my bellowing photograph of number 47 transport you into my shoes as a casual Shepard.... not just any shoes, a pair of cold gumboots of a frosty hill country morning. This image really captures the essence of
remote country life in Eastern Taranaki.
Age 25
$300
Jordyn-Jane Hicks
Under the Sea
Plaster of paris, plasticine
Colourful plasticine sculpture using a bottle that shows my concern for pollution and waste in the ocean with plastic.
Age 13
NFS
Joshua Sevenster
Untiled
Photograph
Age 15
SOLD
Juliet Solomons
Street Puddle
Acrylic
A rainy cobblestone path with a puddle showing the reflection of a street lamp and bushes. I wanted to explore rainy scenes using the medium of paint because I saw my mother water colouring rainy pictures, and wanted to do something similar in a different medium.
Age 16
NFS
Third Overall
Kaelynn Ross
Anatomia
Mixed media
I wanted to create something no one else had that had meaning to myself as a person. I used a mix of things I had around my house as I saw fit, and combined them to create something different. I included a favourite poem of mine ‘The Raven’ by Edgar Allen Poe which is what my brother used to read to me when I was younger, after ‘The Simpsons’ featured a parody of it (which I did not like at the time). I stuck together some card and a few staples for each individual artwork and drew different organs over the top before adding a line of marker to finish them off. I created three pieces featuring a heart, a brain and a pair of lungs, each with flowers on them to make them unique yet similar to every work. I started with the heart, then the brain and the lungs, changing the design slightly each time but keeping the theme to turn it into a
collection.
Age 14
NFS
Kaitlyn Theobald
Ngai Tahu
Photograph
I took this photo of the Kina on the beach at
Tāwharanui Peninsula up in Auckland, while I was on the Spirit of Adventure trip. We found multiple kina along this beach and I thought that the kina sitting on the rocks of the beach was a good representation of where we were.
Age 14
NFS
Kalista Schoultz
Thorin Oakenshield sketch
Pencil
A sketch of Thorin Oakenshield a character from the movie(s) The Hobbit
Age 14
NFS
Karere Te Kiwi a Pare Huhu
He Tohu ki uta, he tohuki tai
Digital print on acrylic
This project centres on the creation of a digital art piece that delves deeply into the life and legacy of one of Taranaki and Aotearoa’s most influential figures - Tohu Kākāhi. Tohu Kākāhi’s historical significance lies in his pivotal role as a leader during one of the most profound acts of peaceful resistance in Māori history, notably at Parihaka. His enduring legacy and prophecies continue to resonate through generations, serving as a testament to the resilience and strength of Māori culture and identity. Through this digital artwork, I aim to capture the essence of Tohu Kākāhi’s leadership and the enduring impact of the events at Parihaka. By focusing on his visionary leadership and the enduring relevance of his prophecies, I seek to shed light on the ongoing ramifications of historical injustices endured by Māori communities. Moreover, this artwork serves as a platform to engage with and educate audiences about the rich history and cultural heritage of Taranaki and Aotearoa as a whole. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the past, understand the present, and inspire positive change for the future.
Age 23
$3000
Kasumi Leonard
Shimmer
Photograph
Enjoyment and playing is a big part in childhood. This photograph was taken on my 13th birthday at East End beach, New Plymouth. The photo is of my brother splashing in a pool of water. I wanted to celebrate my birthday by going to the beach and taking pictures of the sunset. As the sun was setting over the ocean, making the sky turn paler, I captured a silhouette of my brother at the perfect moment, as the splash was being illuminated by the sinking sun. Things I really like about the photo are how the splash shimmers, and how the pastel colour of the sunset looks in contrast with the darker outlines of the rocks and my brother’s silhouette.
Age 13
$195
Katarina Dickson
Ko wai au
Acrylic
My artwork represents home and my family with a Maori and English version of the same quote “There’s no place like home.” My artwork has eight korus that have different designs. They symbolise the people in my family. My two older brothers, younger sisters, parents, nan, koro and myself, being in the middle. The choice of colours represent people, the land and the ocean. The Taniwha is myself surrounded by my protectors ‘My Family’. The quote ‘There’s no place like home’ means that no matter where you go..... it is never going to feel like home!
Age 14
NFS
Kate Denson
I Need Space
Acrylic
This artwork is about the emotion the we all
experience but never share. It is a deep emotion that we keep inside. Even when we are surrounded by people we still can feel alone. Even wanting to be alone can make us feel lonely. The empty space in the artwork represents the multiple thoughts a person can be thinking at any moment without others knowing.
Age 17
$500
Keira Knight
Life and Death
Photograph
This photography is named life and death. It shows that no matter how dead or plain something is, the beauty will shine or grow through the cracks and reveal something beautiful.
Age 17
NFS
Keri Graham
Love
Acrylic
This artwork was created when I was in year 6. During year 6 on every Friday, we had an hour of ‘passion projects’ to design or create anything from Lego to i-movies or origami to paintings! One Friday I decided to do a painting. The first things that came to my mind were colour and love so then I produced this painting.
Age 13
NFS
Kitana Dean
Taranaki Mix Up
Acrylic and ink
My mixed media painting of Mount Taranaki is a take on the famous tarns pictures. It was created in art class at the end of 2023, when we were looking at artists and their various styles. I have used an array of artists to inspire this piece.
Age 15
$50
Levi Christensen
The Big 3
Coloured pencil
This piece is 3 different anime characters from different shows consisting of the shows ‘Dragonball, One Piece and Naruto’. The characters are also the amin protagonists from their shows. The only utilities I use to draw are pencil (2H) and Faber Castell pencils for colour.
Age 13
NFS
Liberty Clifton
Under the Sea
Plaster of paris and plastercine
First I filled a plastic bottle with plaster. Once that dried I cut open the bottle and took out the plaster sculpture. I then got some plastercine and put heaps of effort onto every little detail on this project. The bottle represents ocean pollution which won’t break down. The rainbow coral represents the diversity of coral reef. I was inspired to make this because I went on a marine studies trip last year to goat island. We went Scuba diving and I loved seeing all the amazing sea creatures and sea life.
Age 13
NFS
Lilly Petch
Shadow
Pencil
I pay close attention to detail and am highly focused but I also accept areas for my mistakes which help me grow as a person. I am confident in my artistic abilities and would be thrilled to discuss and survey artist related subjects with like minded people. My passion is using art to express emotions.
Age 13
$150
Lily Nolly
In a Vase
Paint, oil pastel, modelling clay and wire
Crafted with wire, modeling paste, oil pastels, and paint, my artwork draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including other works of art, references from platforms like Pinterest, and my previous art pieces. This artwork doesn’t have much meaning other than my family likes my art and I wanted to see what other people think of it too and I enjoyed creating it.
Age 19
$210
Lily Single
Allgood
Acrylic
This piece of artwork was inspired by life as a teen and hiding your feelings. How old the outside you may look happy and joyful but on the inside you feel sad, lonely, and hurt. The reason I decided to use the sunset on the outside is because sunsets make me happy and feel at peace. Through the keyhole, I used dark colors and blood drops to represent hurt, loneliness, and sadness.
Age 14
NFS
Lily Williams
Under the Sea
Plaster of paris and plastercine
My theme was under the sea. I mixed plasterine to create different colours, making a rainbow effect. I used different tools for texture on the plastercine. I started with a milk bottle and used it as a mold to create the base of the sculpture. I used the plastic milk bottle to recycle it and help show my concern for pollution and waste in the sea.
Age 13
NFS
lissalee
Requiem
Scanography
Scanography uses the flatbed of a printer to capture elements arranged on the glass. Scanography comes with its own set of features and limitations compared to traditional photography. The image is taken through the glass flatbed, allowing more control over the placement of elements and the use of liquid. The extremely narrow depth of field captures intens details against the glass whilst edges and concave items drop off into a soft blur. “Requiem” is part of several experimental pieces and is one of two limited edition framed prints.
Age 25
$450
Lucas Morett
Monster
Pencil
This piece of art is the combination of all my past works. It takes all of my creativity and passion and makes it into a physical piece. I prefer to use a pencil alone when making my artworks, whenever i start a piece i typically don’t have anything particular in mind i just let my imagination run wild and see what i create. This piece is called monster because it’s a monstrosity of everything mashed together. This piece took me 14-15 hours to create and I enjoyed every minute of it. I’m grateful for the motivation that I got from my family and friends along this journey and I aspire to do more pieces like this.
Age 13
NFS
Lucy Baikie
Protecting the Peace
Acrylic
This painting is acrylic on canvas. It is representative of my struggle trying to keep everyone happy, and forgetting about myself. It reminds me of the constant endeavour of making sure not to upset anyone with my presence. I sheild the peacefulness of life with my own happiness.
Age 16
NFS
Maddison Hinton
Alien Princesses
Coloured markers, collage
These are my aliens. They do lots of different things like playing games, playing with each other, art(drawing), and lots more. The first alien I ever drew was the blue-haired one with the pink and grey long-sleeved clothing. When I first started drawing these aliens I just drew them for fun but now I’ve created individual lives, names and personalities for them. For example, Slimy Slime who has a mean personality, lives in the ocean and is the one who’s wearing the purply-pink clothing and the hair that has slime on it. Another has red, yellow and light blue hair. She also has the same coloured clothing with spots. Her name’s Eggy and she lays eggs. The Aliens can be friends with each other or enemies, They can also have babies and breed with another alien-type.
Age 14
NFS
Madelaine (Midge) Riley
Little Miss Mouse
Acrylic
This painting came from something I thought of when I was in chemistry class. There was no dramatic deep thinking initially, just an impulse to paint a little mouse (who I have named Tia). I wanted to try out a slightly different style to what I have made before, inspired by impressionism, as I usually create semi-realism characters (a style between cartoon and realistic). My mouse Tia shows the contrast between curiosity and hesitancy, as well as having imposter syndrome. It’s about earning a reward (the cheese) and wondering how it can be that easy to get. Is there a trap we need to look out for? Having the reward presented to us on a silver platter is highly suspicious, after all. Tia looks away from the cheese, searching for something that would trap or trick her if she takes the bait. She is smart enough to question this, but she overlooks the fact that she deserves her reward. This is a reminder to allow yourself to enjoy the things you worked for, to relax a little in a safe environment. I need to tell even myself this sometimes, and Tia does too. So, take your cheese, you deserve it.
Age 16
NFS
Maheli Medagedara
Solitude Takes to Ocean
Acrylic
Many individuals have a safe space for them, a space where they can let go and think. For many people their safe space is the Ocean. My piece is set on a beach during sunset portraying a lone woman standing at the edge of the Oceans’ shore, in her safe space.
Age 14
NFS
Melisa McCullough
Golden Valor
Encaustic painting - beeswax, Damar resin, pigment
In the Buzz of “Golden Valor,” imagine a world where the tiny but mighty bees rule supreme. Their pollination dance turns into a symphony of life, directing the very sustenance we depend on. Despite their small size, these winged warriors act as protectors of our food chain, reminding us of the deep connection between their existence and ours. On the canvas of nature, the bees’ strength shines brightly, showing the interconnectedness of all living things. They are not just insects but messengers of life itself. If their delicate dance were to stumble, the effects would resonate through our fields and forests, emphasizing our reliance on these modest yet heroic creatures. Through this artistic representation, the vase of flowers symbolizes the delicacy and beauty of the natural world, reflecting the delicate balance upheld by the bees and their crucial role in supporting life around us. All proceeds from the sale of this art piece, will contribute to the ‘For the Love of Bees’ NZ Foundation.
Age 23
SOLD
Mikaela Tice
Macaw of the Night
Oil pastel
Macaw Of The Night was my first professional like piece if artwork and was completed in 2021. This piece of artwork was created using oil pastels and was free handed drawn. In 2021 I love drawing and painting birds, especially Parrots so this was my attempt at trying a new art media. This was my first finished artwork using oil pastels and I am happy to share it here.
Age 15
NFS
Nadia Warburton
Te Koru Pa
Acrylic
I always have immense pleasure in finding magical places such as this. Koru Pa is regarded as one of the most important Pa locations in New Plymouth, and is believed to date back to 1500 AD. As it is now closed off to the public, I’m grateful I managed to capture its essence.
Age 23
NFS
Naoise O’Mahony
Feeling Blue, Seeing Red
Acrylic
For this work I wanted to paint a girl because I
enjoy painting people. I wanted to show how she feels through the colours I used to paint her. I used colours that people typically associate with emotions, such as blue for feeling sad, red for feeling angry and the yellow around her for happiness. I tried to match the intensity of the colour shades with the strength of the emotions.
Age 15
$160
Second Secondary School
Natalie Dahl Barry
The Distortion of an Adolescent Mind
Sculpture
I created this piece of artwork because I wanted to create something that made people stop and think and to create a conversation about it and the meaning behind it. The reason I named it ‘Distortion of an Adolescent Mind’ is because it describes the story I am wanting to tell in my artwork. Distortion is the action of giving a misleading account or impression and an adolescent is a young person in the process of turning into an adult. The face I created was like an adolescent giving the world the wrong impression of themselves, about why they look so confused all the time and the turmoil inside due to what is happening to them during this period of change. It also shows how a young person can feel like an alien, that nothing is as it should be and that the crazy in their mind ends up showing on their face.
Age 13
NFS
Neve Cudby
Toxic Beauties
Gouache on MDF
Beauty is pain. These flowers may look beautiful but are toxic to humans. This piece represents how things may seem beautiful but actually are poisonous. It’s a symbol of deceiving looks.
Age 19
NFS
Niamh Woollin
It Calls Me Home
Oil on canvas
A piece in response to my complicated relationship with Taranaki, the place where I spent most of my adolescent and teenage years. I like to go back, but I can’t stay. I miss my family, but I can’t stay. I miss the smell of the mountain air, how the cold catches in my chest, the peace and quiet within the trees, the birdsong that follows me home, the black sand in between my toes, the salt water that burns my eyes… but I just can’t stay. It calls me home, but I can’t stay. I can’t stay, I must keep climbing. I’ve always been creative. Throughout primary and high school it was impossible for me to not be drawing all over my school books. At the end of year 13 I received The George Mason Visual Arts Scholarship from The Govett Brewster. I moved to Pōneke in 2017 to pursue studying Fine Arts at Massey University, which I graduated from in 2020 with a Bachelors of Fine Arts with Honours. Recently I’ve been pushing myself with my paintings. Working softer, experimenting with colour choices and techniques, changing up the scale of my paintings. I can never get better if I don’t challenge myself. There will never be new opportunities for me if I don’t take the risk.
Age 25
$600
Nikita McQueen
Waxeye and Nest
Needle felted wool and recycled botanicals
Even though I’m only learning to needle felt, I love working with wool as it’s a natural product. My inspiration for this piece came when I rescued a waxeye from inside our house and loved the colours of its feathers.
Age 13
SOLD
Ny’lee Cross
Trapped Being the Mirror
Acrylic with hand sculpture
The man in the painting is trapped behind a mirror that views something he longs for but cannot go to since he his trapped behind the mirror in a dark place. He manages to stick his hand out but that costed him in getting mirror pieces stuck in it
Age 15
NFS
Oceane Maddox-Rowe
Blooming Radience
Watercolour
My piece is created with what I love to do the most watercolor. I used loads of greens with gentle strokes to create my grass I wanted it to make you feel like you were standing near the hill and I hope you can see that with my work. With my flowers I wanted them to be colorful to exaggerate my piece, I really have to thank my art teacher Sarah Mccarrison she helped me find my passion for art, and my love for using watercolors. As for the scene itself you may think it is from an actual location, This location exists only in my mind. By painting flowers and a hill design it was my hope that it would be accessible to a wider audience reminding all my viewers to use their imagination. This art piece is typical of my work I almost always take inspiration from nature.
Age 13
NFS
Oliver (Ollie) Lister-Hardman
Forced Smile
Multi media sculpture
This sculpture is based off of ‘Wybie Lovat’ from Henry Selicks stop motion film ‘Coraline’. I spent hours on end sculpting his face and feet, and carefully handsewing his outfit. The scene is made from plants out of the garden. I’d say the piece is multi media as I sculpted, sewed, painted. His body is made from wire so he is fully articulated as well.I based this sculpture off ‘Wybie Lovat’ because he is my comfort character from my favourite film. And I resonate with him in the sense of being an unusual person with a weird, wacky personality and weird interests.
And sometimes we are all forced to smile.
Age 15
NFS
Olivia Sarten
The Overlooked
Photograph
This photograph is based around the idea of the beauty of the natural life here in New Zealand, the things we may see everyday but take for granted and never see the true beauty behind because we are stuck focusing on whatever else is going on around us. This image allows us to take a brief moment to focus on how lucky we are to live in a country surrounded by natures beauty.
Age 16
$40
Paige Paul
Whispers of Spring
Acrylic
I’m a self-taught artist, my primary medium is acrylic paint but I like to incorporate other materials to create interest; I use paper from old books as well as plaster to add texture. I like to use oil pastel, paint pens and tape to create scribbles and lines that complement the subject and surroundings. I think my style of painting is very intuitive; colours and shapes have a specific place on the canvas even if I don’t know where or why I’m putting them there. The same is true with this painting and others I’ve done previously, they portray the array of haphazard thoughts floating through my head and at times provide an outlet for all the crazy and stressful moments where I need to vent or decompress. At the time of this painting’s creation, I felt calm and content and I think the use of light colours and loose flowers flowed together to represent this.
Age 19
NFS
Penny Dixon
Linar Ascent
Photograph
In my photography I am drawn to the beauty in the built environment, capturing abstract forms and the light within the urban and industrial landscape. I aim to highlight the artistry in ignored and over-looked places. I’m inspired by the way light and shadows can transform a scene into something totally new and unexpected. This is what I want to capture and express in my photos. This image portrays my vision by showcasing the light, shadow, and form of industrial architecture in a way that the viewer initially wouldn’t recognise the subject at first glance. I like the way that mundane unseen structures can be made interesting and thought provoking, that there is beauty everywhere if you choose to look for it.
Age 16
NFS
Phoebe Jury
You Shine Brighter Than the Moon
Photograph
Phoebe Jury is a young solo mother, working as a photographer and studying art and design at Te Kura Matatini o Taranaki. This piece was taken late evening coming into Autumn of a close friend. Love flowed between the two, and some would say the stars and moon aligned for this photograph. After a weathered wedding day, these two chose to extend their wedding attire for an extra day to take sunset photographs. Photographed on a Canon Rp, location Taranaki, Back Beach.
Age 22
NFS
Highly Commended
Portia Roper
He who rides upon a Figer is frightened to dismount
College and embroidery
My work explores the idea of morphing animals by gradually changing them from one thing to another by cutting and pasting animal body parts together and then stitching together. Some would say the stitching gives the feeling as though they could have been stitched by Dr. Frankenstein. In my work there is a weird middle ground of being a child creating the most fantastic mythical creature one can possibly create, and being an adult: understanding the effects and ethics of breeding and mix breeding animals. With making these works I have full control of making them the craziest, funniest, creepiest, and weirdest beings. While creating these works I wonder and consider what do these creatures sound like, how do they walk/swim or fly, what do they eat. For this particular work I wonder what does Tobias the Figer eat? Where does he live? Does he swim in the ocean? Also for Lucas the dinosaur in pajamas, where does he live? Does he live a lavish lifestyle in the city working 9-5 or does he roam across the adjacent forested floodplains, swamps and rivers like a dinosaur once did? All these questions and ideas are not only for me but they are for the viewers. I encourage the viewers to consider these thoughts when viewing the work. Let the imaginations take over.
Age 22
$680
Portia Solomons
Honey Bee Silhouette
Acrylic
This work is a silhouette of a honey bee on a hexagonal canvas. The canvas mimics the shape of honeycomb which is where a bee resides. The colourful background provides contrast with the solid black shape of the bees silhouette. The industrial style of the background also mimics how bees are in the real world.
Age 16
NFS
Raine de Vaan
Star Trails
Photograph
Star Trails offers an insight into the hidden and mesmerizing dance of celestial bodies. Each streak of light represents the eleven minute journey of a star as the Earth rotates beneath them. The kaleidoscope of colourful arcs exhibits the grand beauty and hidden rhythm of our universe, providing introspection into the significance of our lives and the impermanence of life. Both a relieving and discomforting perception. My interest in photography first started due to my older brother’s work in the film industry. He had taught me a lot about digital photography, part of which included a lesson on long exposure astrophotography. I was fascinated by the amount of light that could be extracted beyond the limitations of the human eye. Once I took up photography again - after a long absence - one of the first things I did was experiment again with astrophotography. Star Trails is the result of a 650 second stacked exposure composed of roughly 130 five-second exposure shots. Photography details: - Fujifilm X-T30II - f/2.8 - 27mm - 650 second stacked exposure
Age 26
$400
Merit 13-14 years
Rebecca Cleary
Confusion
Acrylic
A colourful array of the thoughts in a troubled mind. up to the viewers interpretation.
Age 13
$120
3D Winner
Renee Ross-Cranson
Muscle Memories
Handmade book and trace monotype I focus on the process rather than the medium. The grids within this book are a combination of automatic and contour drawing, printed. I created 42 trace monotypes within a single sitting, as a way of exploring the way we improve through repeated action. Paths form when we keep walking the same way. I embrace permanence and my human hands, yet I hide this within the comfortable confines of a book. This book opens up though.
Age 26
NFS
Fibre Art Winner
Rhiannon Higgs
Cascading Cloak
Felted wool
Cascading Cloak is a felted wearable space that is inspired by lichen in form, colour, environmental qualities and symbolism. How lichen acts as a blanket to trees and materials, creating a symbiotic relationship and signifying health and good air quality. By translating this into a cloak, the wearer becomes an extension of the environment, wrapping and cocooning them in a sense of protection and empowerment to move within the climate crisis. Through the process of felting and craft, lichen timescales are revealed, encouraging the wearer to slow down and reconnect with environmental tactility.
Age 23
NFS
Renee Kieselbach
Untitled
Ink pen on paper
The inspiration for this drawing was to explore the fragility of life. I wanted to portray the human spirit. The butterfly signifies freedom in life, while the dual skull combines the duality of life and death.
NFS
Rin Rielly-Leadbetter
The Fiery Ones
Oil and acrylic
Seraphim; The Fiery Ones. This painting is about a dream I had about a world beyond human perception. The dreamer (in magenta) is witnessing the angels of the afterlife that are said in the bible to have three sets of wings and be covered in eyes. In the dream there were three pillars of a temple in the sky and invisible eyes watching from the clouds. I took inspiration from other depictions of Seraphim and combined them with my mental image to create this painting. “The Seraphim are all eyes - they can perceive true beauty.” - Unknown.
Age 17
NFS
Supreme Award Winner
Rujula Chitnis
Dancers
Printmaking
Dancing is an integral part of Indian culture. There are gods and goddesses of dance. By creating this piece of art, I wanted to depict the graceful movement of classical Indian dancers, whilst creating an atmosphere of what their moves make us as the viewers feel. In Bharatnatyam, each hand movement and look has a meaning. Each performance tells a unique story. I wanted to portray this with my artwork, which is why I built upon layers of medium. The background features a temple with family heritage created with a pronto plate, connecting to my personal history. I also wanted to communicate the decline of classical dancing as the Indian culture gets increasingly Westernised. This is shown by the faded beige dancer.
Age 17
NFS
Ryan Morrison
Water Drop at 1/1000th of a Second
Photograph
I had the idea of a photo similar to this at the start of the year, the test photo was taken on my old cannon 600d and ended up with a blurry photo of a water drop after many attempts but proved I could do it, after upgrading my camera to the cannon eos 1300d I retried to take the photo with a larger focal length pens and techniques I had learnt from photography class, my result was the photo I am presenting. My setup included my tripod, camera, pencil and something to hold the pencil (my mum). By dipping the pencil in the water I could focus on the rough point the drop would land in the water and by fully submerging the pencil and pulling it out of the water with the tip facing down the water on the pencil would drip downwards and fall off the tip creating a good sized drop. After about 200 photos I picked this as the final one.
Age 16
NFS
Rylee Redshaw
Protea of the Valley
Floristry
Protea Of The Valley has been created to represent the lifecycle of nature and the beauty that can be seen throughout the journey. The deer was sourced bymyself in Northern Taranaki where a process was undertaken of burying the head back into the whenua to reveal the skull in its current state, alongside this I have picked the flowers and fauna from local sources where the drying process then took place. The two elements from the whenua (deer head and flowers/fauna) have been put together to create a piece of art that tells a story of - what came before and of what comes after in the lifecycle of nature. This has been inspired by the balance within nature with times of growth and abundance also comes times of decline and decay, an everlasting cycle that can be represented in a beautiful way throughout the journey of nature on earth. Being able to create a piece of art that brings together two elements from the whenua into one piece has been an uplifting journey.
Age 21
NFS
Sam Hatcher
Bird of the Century
Acrylic
I am an artist who lives and works in Hawera and New Plymouth. The art mediums I use are acrylic paints, pencils, coloured pencils, watercolour and felts. What I think when making art is mixed emotions, animals, birds, native species, bright colour palettes and automatic thinking. Autism plays a big role in my practice as well as my everyday life, it touches everything I do. I have a broad range of interests and a spectrum of hobbies. What is important to me is that everybody of every gender and background should be treated as equals. I have a strong sense of empathy with animals in particular and have as well as feel a connection with them. I believe that animals should be treated with respect and valued. This attitude flows back into my work in relation to the Pūteketeke (Australasian crested grebe) painting that I’ve created onto this canvas. But the main message I want to communicate is that I want people to connect with my work and make their own interpretation. Not to judge people at first glance.
Age 17
$250
Samatha Cleary
Acupuncture
Acrylic
This artwork expresses the mind being opened. To see things in a new way and to be released from modern day clutches to all the world has to offer. New possibilities, opportunities, experiences and connections. All up for offer if you choose to take it. The delusions of a perfect life many try to achieve is not a straightforward fantasy. Work to your own standards and perfection will be revealed to you in the ways you value most.
Age 17
$200
Photography Winner
Samuel Tippett
Corridor
Photograph
On my way to my art classroom, I walk down a corridor past the metalwork rooms. The corridor is dark, and run down. The floor and walls have lots of scratches, dirt patches, and scuff marks from the thousands of boys who have walked through this space over the last 50 years. Past students have left traces of their existence even though they have moved on. I was interested in how the light created water-like reflections on the shiny lino, the scuffs and scratches are now illuminated and beautiful. The floor seems to ripple and is contrasted by the black mat floating in the midground. I like the way the walls converge and lead your eye to the distant space with the red toolbox and hardwood floor in the background. You can just make out a student working on a project engaged and focused, hidden in the shadows.
Age 14
$100
Skye Simphalivanh
JOY
Acrylic
For my painting I wanted to capture the expression of true joy. Joy is something I think is important to have everyday, no matter the circumstance, so I wanted to paint the moment.
Age 16
$500
Sophie Barron
Entanglement
Linoleum Print
I am an interdisciplinary artist, merging printmaking, illustration, painting, and sculpture to explore the human experience. My style blends esoteric elements with quaint beauty and occasional macabre undertones. ‘Entanglement’ serves as a visual Rorschach, inviting viewers to interpret its symmetrical patterns and symbols.
Age 24
NFS
Sophie Haenga
Bingalingading
Acrylic
Art contains visuals of modern and classical art.
Age 14
NFS
Sophie Marsh
The Sunset on the Beach with Tropical Palm Trees
Acrylic
My art work I made is a tropical beach with some palm trees on a sandy beach with some rocks, I painted this 2 years ago when I was 11.
Age 13
NFS
Painting Winner
Suzy le Fleming
A Breath of Serenity
Oil
This painting was inspired by the evenings my son and I spent playing around our flower garden. It had me thinking about Mother Nature and all the mothers swimming in their thoughts at the end of the day. My main goal for this piece was to enjoy the process and just have fun. I wanted to create heightened visuals to show depth of emotion with an echo of surrealism. To me, this painting captures the balance of serenity and introspection. The deep breath we let out to surrender as dusk closes in.
Age 25
$888
Tess Hooker
The Women of Greek Literature
Acrylic
My pieces were heavily inspired by the works and style of chiaroscuro painter Michelangelo Merisi de Caravaggio, and based on ancient Greek myth and legend. In this series, I have focused on Greek Mythology, and the enduring and repeating pattern of the mistreatment and objectification of women. The paintings—The Abduction of Persephone, The Enslavement of Thetis, and The Ravishment of Circe—each depict a story in Greek Literature, of which show what is written as the pinnacle of each women’s life. Persephone was abducted by Hades, God of the underworld, to be his wife. Thetis, a nymph, was taken from her home of the sea to marry, and bear the child of, a human king. Circe was exiled to the island of Aiaia, where she was raped by the sailors that sought comfort and food there. By bringing their stories to the forefront through these paintings, I hope to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation of their fictitious, yet still very relevant in today’s society, experiences. To provoke questioning around the enduring issues of gender inequality and objectification of women, and the stories we base the morals of our civilizations on.
Age 16
NFS
Thea Irys Millondaga Lacanaria
Head in the Clouds
Acrylic
In our modern world of screens and instant connectivity, we often forget to take the time to immerse ourselves in the world around us. We replace the experience of encountering life with simulation, trade reality for synthetic illusion, and blind ourselves to the wonder that already exists before us. Although technology has broadened the scope of our reality far beyond what we could have ever imagined, it has also created a blindness to life that threatens to wound an entire generation of people. In my painting, ‘Head In The Clouds’, I hope to emulate the beauty of looking out upon a dawning sun rise. Though simple in its premise, while painting this piece, I thought to encourage people to take a moment to take a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty that surrounds them. To search experiences that cannot be found solely behind a screen, and to reconnect with the world around them. In the times where my mind feels most clouded and lost, I find that stepping away and immersing myself in nature helps to reignite my awe and wonder for life, even if it simply means looking out my window to enjoy the sunrise.
Age 17
NFS
Toby Mellow
The Battle of the Ages (Good vs Evil)
Pencil
Toby’s artwork is inspired by his own cartoon character creations, King Bob & Teddy, Toby has so far created two comics and for his entry wanted to create an epic battle Scene of his character’s plus the Dr Seuss character the Lorax against the evil money loving fat man who cares nothing for Nature and our Mother Earth.
Age 15
NFS
Thomas McGuinness
The Twisted
I have made drawings ever since I could hold a pencil. I have always loved the process and when I discovered the surrealist practice of automatic drawing, I found a way of thinking that resonated with my intuitions about the value of art. while representational imagery is both important to learning and developing as an artist, it is by no means the pinnacle nor the point of art. I began making image for the love of the process, The product might have guided this process, but the point of art is not just the image itself but the way I made it and what it made inside my feelings and imagination. as the platitude goes; it is not the destination but the journey. these works are a reflection on the process of making. the patterns are the outcome of intuitions and habits from the years I have spent drawing. then I looked back on that process and named it. creating a label that I think resembles the experience of making that work . hoping that if it has a name, one might be more inclined to look for something else to name in the patterns.
Age 21
$587 each
Judges' Encouragement Award
Vince Ropitini
Ask That Mountain
Fashion Design and Textile Painting
How can contemporary Māori art be translated through fashion design, inspiring the regeneration of Mātauranga Māori? ‘Ask That Mountain’ acknowledges the history of Parihaka, and establishes kōrero around identity and what it means to be Māori. Integrating Fashion Design with Visual Art, each of the garments reference key attributes found in contemporary Māori art, which I utilise to share my narrative and whakapapa. I use my garments as a point of kōrero, discussion that encourages both wearers and onlookers to engage in learning and understanding, inspiring the regeneration of Mātauranga Māori.
Age 22
NFS
Wesley Milne
Missed Moments
Acrylic
This work explores moments I would’ve missed out on if had given up on heaps of things - from learning to drive to exploring gender to living in Taranaki - there’s opportunities that really do feel like pops and pockets of life so perfect, bizarre and unexpected but vibrant and treasured.
Age 25
NFS
Will Hale
The Territorial Tui
Acrylic
My inspiration for this painting was the tui in our puriri tree who was always chasing and defending its territory from others, the territorial tui was always a sight to behold. It would perch high in the tall puriri tree and keep a watchful eye on all that was around it. Any time another tui came near its territory, it would swoop in and scare them away, protecting the territory with great ferocity. Yet, the tui always returned to its beloved puriri tree, and its call rang out loudly as it claimed its home.
Age 13
$400
WONG HEI TUNG HAZEL
Urban Glow
Photograph
After living in New Zealand for two years, I returned to my birthplace - Hong Kong (香港). I captured this moment while walking on the street at night with my camera. This is a store because Hong Kong has little land and high rent, it can only be built on the street. The characters, composition, and tones can also highlight the atmosphere of the night. Since it is impossible to see these things in New Zealand, I wanted to use this photo to show the characteristics of one of them in Hong Kong.
Age 20
NFS