Artist shares love of Northland

Whangaparāoa artist Robin Davies is sharing his love of Northland with a major new oil mural, on display at Estuary Arts until July 26.

Titled The Northland Panels, the mural is Robin’s first major work in oils, and the result of four years’ work. It brings together scenes from across the region,including the coast, forest, and historic sites, along with the area’s strong links to Māori culture and history.

Robin grew up in Whangārei, where his love of art was first sparked by his grandfather and father, both originally from Southampton, England. He went on to major in Art at Ardmore Teachers’ College and attended Prelim Art classes at Elim.

During his early years as a teacher, Robin was influenced by a number of prominent Northland artists, including Muru Walters, Ralph Hōtere, Buck Nin, Katerina Mataira and Kura Te Waru Rewiri. 

A meeting with the celebrated Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser in 1973 also left a lasting impression. Robin went on to introduce Hundertwasser’s imaginative, colourful style to his own art pupils, encouraging them toward bold, joyful creations of their own, an approach that has carried through into his own work ever since.

Robin has exhibited in galleries across Whangārei, Helensville, Waipu and Ōrewa, and The Northland Panels continues that tradition, offering a vivid, personal map of the landscapes and stories that have shaped his life and career.