Black Door Gallery
251 Parnell Road
Parnell, Auckland, 1052
(09) 368 4554
info@blackdoorgallery.co.nz
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Maria Kemp


Dunedin based artist Maria Kemp produces contemporary landscape paintings that speak to the scenery distinct to the inland region of southern New Zealand. The regions of Otago, from the peninsula to central Otago have been the focus of Maria's landscape paintings for the past several years. Many of the landscapes are centered around childhood memories for the artist and are a symbolic of the place she calls home. Maria is fascinated by the natural patterning found in the physical world and how this can become a metaphor for the way elements in our own lives are woven together.
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Maria's work can be identified by the use of simplified regions of colour, like ribbons, which come to portray the layers and contours of land masses. Harmonious palettes seem to shimmer like the light effects seen on the powerful vistas of this area.  The works are reminiscent of layers of a weaving or the folds of a tapestry. As the artist describes, "the inspiration for this approach came from a Psalm that describes the earth being stretched out like fabric, with patterns and folds like garments."

Maria paints in oil on board in tonal planes, placing the focus on the colour and form, her compositions are considered and enhanced by beautiful framing. Her paintings are at times fragmented and dissected offering further exploration of the notion of patterning in nature.  

Maria Kemp is an established and highly successful artist who has painted for over 20 years. Her work is held in private collections internationally including the USA, UK, Canada and Australia. Her work has also been acquired by public collections and major New Zealand institutions such as the Dunedin City Council and Wellington Public Library. Maria Kemp has a track record of successful solo shows and awards for her painting practise. 
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"In my painting I portray the metaphorical notion of the earth stretched out like fabric, suggesting a craftsman, designer or omnipotent creator. I identify the earth as a garment with its patterns, folds, and complex ordered design, I see continuous affinities that fascinate and resonate within me. I am drawn to the concept of seeing all the elements in our lives being woven together on an unseen loom.” - Maria Kemp

Maria Kemp Works Available At Black Door Gallery


Maria Kemp, "The Remnant II", Oil on Board, Archival Tray Framed, 1330 x 1020mm (Framed Size), 2020
Maria Kemp, "Interweaving", Oil on Board, Archival Framed, 1350 x 750mm, 2018, Otago Landscape
Maria Kemp, "Cloud Dance", Oil on Board, Archival Tray Framed, 1320 x 830mm (Framed Size), 2020
Maria Kemp, "Matt Man on a Sandy Mount", Oil on Board, Archival Framed, 1200 x 200mm, 2020

Previously Exhibited Works And Commissions By Maria Kemp


Maria Kemp, "Ribbons of Otago", Oil on Board, Framed, 880 x 970mm
Maria Kemp, "Taieir evening shadows fall", Oil on Board, 1300mm length
Maria Kemp, "Overview, Saddle Hill to Taieri Mouth", Oil on Board, 980 x 780mm, SOLD
Maria Kemp, "Fractured Earth", Oil on Board, Framed, 950 x 750mm, 2017
Maria Kemp, "Earth Split", Oil on Board, Framed, 2100 x 480mm, 2017
Maria Kemp, "Fabric Earth", Oil on Board
Maria Kemp, "Aotearoa, land of the long white cloud", Oil on Board
Maria Kemp, "Land Fabric", Oil on Board, Framed, 1330 x 1000mm, 2017
Maria Kemp, "Land Garments", Oil on Board, Archival Framed, Diptych, Each painting 1300 x 700mm, Combined Length 2600 x 700mm, 2018
Maria Kemp, "Knits & Splits", Oil on Board, Archival Framed, 550 x 600mm, 2018
Maria Kemp, "Material Landform", Oil on Board, 1320 x 430mm (Framed Size), 2019
Maria Kemp, "Remnant I", Oil on Board, Archival Framed, 1200 x 1000mm (Artwork Size), 2020
Maria Kemp, "The Remnant II", Oil on Board, Archival Framed, 1300 x 1000mm, 2020
Maria Kemp, "Rugged Farmlands", Oil on Board, Archival Framed, 1320 x 720mm each, Diptych, 2019
"Two Men Walking", Oil on Board, Archival Framed, 180 x 1130mm, 2020, [Text Reads: Can two walk together, except they be agreed.], SOLD

Maria Kemp Artworks In Situ


Maria Kemp Artwork In Situ at Black Door Gallery
Maria Kemp Artwork Hanging in a Home (Private Residence)- Black Door Gallery
Maria Kemp Artworks Hanging in Black Door Gallery- New Zealand Landscape Painting- Otago Scenery
Maria Kemp Artwork Hanging in a Home (Private Residence)- Black Door Gallery
Back To Painting
​Black Door Gallery
251 Parnell Road
Parnell, Auckland,
​New Zealand, 1052


(09) 368 4554
info@blackdoorgallery.co.nz
Monday - Friday, 10.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday, 10.00am - 4.00pm
Sunday & Public Holidays, 11.00am - 3.00pm

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