Antony Warnes Exhibition - 'Le Inward Aesthetic'

Antony Warnes is a storyteller, an exuberant and enigmatic character and cultural identity. A reluctant and hidden treasure, Antony paints daily, often with his cat Sylvester by his side. Having exhibited nationally and internationally his works can be found all over New Zealand and the world.

Antony is well travelled and could be considered a vagabond or vagrant, a wandering traveller. Locals will often pick him up hitchhiking. The bonus of having Antony as a passenger is you are always graced with a story, a dramatic telling of an event, a lyrical display of a moment curated in conversation, a captivating play with words.

Tony is a well-respected member of his Katikati community and held in high regard by many, as the character he is. As the artist he weaves a trail of admirers, collectors and artistic contemporaries spanning a prolific 50 year history.

Antony greatly admires and is inspired by local painters such as Graham Bell (Waikino) and David Warriner (Mt Maugnanui) and international artists Egon Schiele, Toulouse Lautrec, Van Gough, Constable and Picasso.

The painting by J M W Turner “Calais   Pier” is one image that captured his attention on a trip to London. The painting seared into his artistic vision, conjuring memories of countless times at sea, of untamed waves and the unrelenting ferocious display of nature. These emotive memories are captured in his translucent seascapes, as they move before your eye, the ebb and flow of water, waves pounding, evoking a memory of your own.

Growing up in Otumoetai, as a young man he took paid employment on the wharves of Tauranga the beginning of a love   affair with the ocean. Though he chose a nomadic lifestyle he always came back to the Bay of Plenty.

Opening preview Friday 12th April 2024, 5.30pm to 7.00pm in the Incubator lounge. Everyone welcome.

On display in The Incubator Gallery from the 13th of April to the 4th May 2024. Open 10am - 3pm Monday to Saturday.