Moray Gallery

Doug Hart: Stunning Dunedin

7-28 January 2022

There’s fine art and there’s ‘fun’ art. My creations could be judged as being at the fun end of the artistic spectrum.

 

I work in watercolour and drawing ink to produce local scenes in great detail but with an element of humour.

Having spent over six decades in the UK exploring ancient, medieval and contemporary cultural sites, I found myself on the other side of the globe looking for inspiration. Dunedin may be young in terms of history and heritage, but it has a wealth of interesting architecture ranging from basic boat sheds to Emerson’s brewery, to the iconic railway station. I only had to look around the city and harbour for the inspiration I was seeking as a starting point for my paintings.  There is wildlife in abundance, with sweeping vistas and boating activities to complete many of my works. Dunedin is a gem set within the spectacular jewel of the Otago Peninsula.

Another love of mine are the Maori myths, history, arts and culture which feature regularly in my paintings. 

Witi Ihimaera’s novel, ‘The Whale Rider’, has had a significant impact on my practice showing the importance of humanity interacting harmoniously with the natural world. 

I hope you enjoy the paintings and see Dunedin in a different light.