 | Gary Waldrom produces in his painting an alternate reality that is uncannily close to real life. His work explores themes of isolation, dream, intuitive processes and the human condition. Born and raised in Waipawa in the Hawkes Bay, he has been painting since an early age.
Waldrom’s paintings are familiar yet strange. Some of the imagery in his work is instantly recognisable such as the distinctive Hawkes Bay landscapes and Waipawa buildings yet other elements provide fragments of a narrative the viewer is asked to explore. To experience Waldrom’s work is to actively engage in a dialogue with it. This is one of Waldrom’s numerous strengths; the ability to create a dreamscape where questions remain unanswered but continue to manifest.
People and places come to life in Waldrom’s works. The elfin characters that appear in his work are almost hybrids of children and adults who reveal their own personalities. One can only imagine what they are thinking when they are looking out of the painting directly at you; from their real place into yours.
To describe Waldrom as an “outsider artist” is to label him all too quickly. His paintings clearly demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of painting conventions however his work is not confined to formal parameters and his discovery through practice has enabled him to develop a truly unique style which is visually fascinating.
Gary Waldrom was born 1953 in Waipawa Hawke’s Bay. He has been a finalist in various significant art competitions since the 1970’s: including the Benson & Hedges Art Award (1978), Winner –Eastern & Central Trust Bank Art prize (1981), Merit prize – Montana Lindauer Art Award (1986). He has had numerous and regular solo exhibitions throughout the country, and has appeared in a number of group shows most recently at the Hastings City Art Gallery titled “Mind Games (Surrealism in Aotearoa)”. He has featured in both documentaries and radio shows. His works are held in public and private collections nationally including The James Wallace Trust and Hawkes Bay Museum & Art Gallery.
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