Robin Slow
Takaka
Kanikani
acrylic on stretched canvas, 2022
Kanikani – the dancing manu creating the torino.
I am influenced by the area, the people, the natural resources (and the protection of them), the histories and stories that go to make Mohua (Golden Bay) a special place.
Robin Slow
Robin Slow was born in Blenheim Wairau and trained as a commercial artist before training at Christchurch Teachers’ College, majoring in art. For more than 30 years Robin taught art at Golden Bay High School in Takaka. Teaching was a major focus for him, and in turn it provided a learning and development opportunity for his own work and progression.
Since 1991 Robin has worked with the whanau at Onetahua Marae, producing murals, traditional instruments, kowhaiwhai and carving, and the completion of the wharenui, Te Ao Marama. Robin had overall responsibility for the design and layout of the wharenui. Through the marae he had the opportunity to work with people from throughout Aotearoa and overseas, attracted to the heart of Mohua Golden Bay. A large number of works were completed on a community basis.
Robin now works full-time on his own image making. His artistic activities also include weaving, stone/bone carving and the creation of puoro (traditional musical instruments).
Robin has taken part in many exhibitions, both solo and in groups around the country, including a recent exhibition at Suter Art Gallery. His works have travelled to many different parts of the world, and are in many private and public collections including a large triptych acquired by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex during their visit to New Zealand in 2018. He continues to teach and work through Onetahua Marae.
Robin worked with Bob Bickerton (music) and Brian Flintoff (carving) to create the installation, Ngā Hau Ngākau, that toured to museums and art galleries around the country.
Robin’s work can be seen at Parker Gallery in Nelson, Monza Gallery in Tākaka, Little River Gallery in Christchurch, and Kura Gallery in Wellington and Auckland.
There’s a nice profile on Robin at NelsonTasman.
Big thanks to Allison Judge and Yvon Smits at Jewel Beetle.
