The Artist
Philippa Bentley is a multi-disciplinary artist, inspired by nature, with ecology and environmental concerns at the heart of her work.
Philippa grew up with a large, rambling garden - fascinated by insects, damming ponds in the creek and building huts in the bush. Apparently it was where her parents could always find her- any time of day, any weather and, she says, "I still retain that sense of wonder in the world."
Philippa has always lived close to the sea and now spends much time on the water, too, sailing.
We are an island nation - New Zealand begins with the sea and ends with the sea - and we all have a relationship with the water.
It is not surprising that Philippa's artwork has been informed by these experiences and reflects her careful observation and love of the natural world, overlaid with a layer of contemplation.
The artist has become increasingly concerned over the global impact of environmental issues and this has been reflected in the development of her work over the last few years. Sea charts have become her symbol of plotting a course, navigating our way forward.
Philippa's work frequently references natural history collections and archives, and contains an image within an image.
While primarily known as a painter and printmaker, Philippa incorporates a range of media and processes in her art practice.
"I am interested in the intersection of art, design, science and technology and the possibilities this brings."
Augmented Reality (AR) has been an integral part of her art practice since 2014. AR creates co-existent realities and invites the viewer to participate with the artwork in an interactive, immersive way.
Philippa has two senior academic prizes from the University of Auckland but had drawn, painted and written since she could remember and ultimately committing to a career as an artist was the natural path. Philippa has been working professionally as an artist since 2005.
She has won awards in painting, printmaking and design and been a finalist in a number of New Zealand and international art awards. Her work is held in collections in New Zealand and overseas.
"I hope my work brings you some reflection, meaning and joy in these strange times."
Selected exhibition history:
2023 Summer Show, Turua Gallery
Cultural Narratives, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
Ebb and Flow dual exhibition, Turua Gallery
2022 Whale Tales 2022, WWF fundraiser trail
Estuary Art and Ecology Award finalist
Art in the Park art fair, Auckland
Turua's Big Tiny Show, Turua Gallery
Inspired group exhibition, Flagstaff Gallery
2021 The Big Tiny Show, Turua Gallery
Familiar Terrain, group show, Black Door Gallery
Art in the Park, Auckland
2020 Group show Flagstaff Gallery
'Ultramarine' Solo show Turua Gallery
2019 Small Sculpture Showcase, Waiheke Art Gallery, Sculpture On The Gulf
Group shows at Flagstaff Gallery, Artform Gallery and Turua Gallery
2018 NZ Painting and Printmaking Awards finalist
Inkmasters Award Finalist, Cairns, Australia
NZ Sculpture on Shore
Dual show Flagstaff Gallery- Seas of Paper and Paint
Guest speaker Blikfang, Auckland, speaking on AR art
Symbiosis exhibition, Auckland Botanic Gardens
Group shows Flagstaff Gallery
2017 Group shows Flagstaff Gallery
Solo show Arthaus Orakei - Curiouser and Curiouser
2016 Walker and Hall Waiheke Art Award finalist
Work acquired for Benetton Art Collection, Italy
Publication - NZ Consciousness:Contemporary Artists of NZ
2015 NZ Painting and Printmaking Awards finalist
Art Ache invited artist
Group shows Smythe Galleries, Flagstaff Gallery, Waiheke Gallery
The Big Egg Hunt fundraiser trail invited artist
2014 Group shows Artis Gallery, The Artists Room, Flagstaff Gallery
2013 Publication – Portrait of an Artist, S Merkens
Group shows Artis Gallery, Flagstaff Gallery and The Artists Room
2012 Group shows Artis Gallery, Essenze and Waiheke Gallery
2011 Group shows The Artists Room, Artis Gallery, Arrowtown Gallery,
JGG and Clever Bastards
2010 NZ Painting and Printmaking Award - Merit Award winner
Group shows The Artists Room Gallery and Jonathan Grant Gallery
2009 Solo show The Lane Gallery - Collections
Reviewed Auckland Herald
2008 Group shows Art of this World Gallery and The Depot
2007 Off the Wall exhibition, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki
Pride in Print winner, in collaboration with Ata Rangi wines
2003 Devonport Arts Festival Prize winner
2003 Depot Art Award winner, Paint.
Publications
2003- 2022 Numerous magazine and newspaper articles and reviews - please refer to Press
2016 NZ Consciousness:Contemporary Artists of NZ
2013 Portrait of an Artist, Artists in their studios
2009 NZ Herald review by TJ McNamara
Collections
Benetton Art Collection, Italy
Vela Collection, NZ
Private collections of artists such as Sheryl Crowe, and Dawn French and numerous fabulous collectors in NZ and abroad (I am truly grateful. Thank you for your support. It means the world.)
