Interwoven
Artist: Tony Clarke
A celebration of the birdlife of the Tāmaki River.
Through his exhibition, artist Tony Clarke describes the ecology of Te Wai o Taiki in one word – Interwoven. Defined as many parts elaborately combined into a united whole, Interwoven highlights how each living thing plays an integral and interconnected role in supporting the inner workings of the Tāmaki Estuary. Clarke zooms in on this ecosystem and takes a micro lens to the birdlife of the estuary.
Through daily walks along the riverbanks, he has listened to the kuaka’s call, watched as the matuku moana prowl the mudflats, and bade farewell to the tūturiwhatu as they begin their migration. With every glide of the pencil, each memory becomes entwined within his work. Tidal movements captured in layered brushstrokes, sunlight sparkling off sand and silt, and form and rhythm all dance between translucent glazes. Clarke’s sensitive rendering of each creature highlights a deep regard for the ecosystem sheltered by the river. Interwoven reflects the macrocosm of Te Wai o Taiki, capturing some of the riverside magic within each artwork.
Intertwined. Interconnected. Interwoven.
Tony Clarke is a self-taught artist, working with a variety of media, including charcoal drawings, watercolours, and acrylics. His subject matter is primarily focused on the native wildlife of Aotearoa, with particular interest in the birdlife local to Te Wai o Taiki (the Tāmaki River) near his home in East Auckland. After an inspiring visit to the USA in 2000, he opened an art school in Howick where he continues to work and teach.
Clarke has exhibited in New Zealand and the USA. Returning to America in 2001, Tony was accepted by the Wilcox Gallery, a prominent gallery in Wyoming, who represents his work in the USA. Clarke has twice been the recipient of the Estuary Art and Ecology Awards People’s Choice Award (2023 and 2025).
Associated Programming:
Saturday 6 June, 10am.
Join artist Tony Clarke for a talk and tour of Interwoven.
Art Cupboard x Malcolm Smith Gallery
Saturday 13 June and 20 June, 10am – 12pm.
Drop-in art activities for kids and families
Visit the Art Cupboard for two special sessions inspired by Interwoven and led by Malcolm Smith Gallery curator, Zoë May. Kids will create their own shorebird collage using techniques drawn from Clarke’s paintings. Suitable for the whole family to join in, everything you need to get creating on your own is provided. Gold coin donation appreciated.
