Te Au Nui / Big Swirling Waters by Paul McLachlan

Te Au Nui, the traditional name for the Mataura Falls, meaning "big swirling waters," is an art project centered around the rich historical, cultural, and environmental tapestry of the falls. Born and raised in Gore, artist Paul McLachlan’s project delves into the multifaceted layers of meaning and interconnectedness, offering a meditation on the falls' past, present, and future.

At its core, Te Au Nuiseeks to unravel the interplay between human interactions and the underlying rhythms of the natural world. It investigates how industrial advancements and exploitative actions, epitomized by the 19th-century dynamiting of the falls, have shaped the region's ecological and cultural fabric. By juxtaposing organic and mechanical qualities, the project sheds light on the delicate balance between progress and preservation, inviting viewers to reflect on the implications of human intervention on our environment.

Infused with a sense of mythology, the artworks within Te Au Nuievoke ancient narratives and symbols, connecting the viewer to timeless stories of transformation and resilience. The imagery recalls the mythological concept of water as a source of life and a force of change, mirroring the cyclical nature of creation and destruction.

Each piece was carved in the artist's studio in Mataura, overlooking the river. The fusion of artistic processes, including painting and robotics, creates incised lines and carved surfaces, serving as metaphors for humanity's enduring imprints on the landscape. Te Au Nui invites us to reflect on our role in shaping the future of the local environment and to remain open to the deeper, mythic interpretations and significance of the site.

Te Au Nui will be presented in conjunction with a collection of McLachlan’s previous tapestries, prints and drawings.

Courtesy of Milford Galleries and supported by Creative NZ, Resene and Craigs Investment Partners.

Gallery Programmes Officer, Marcella Geddes says, “Born and raised in the Gore area, Paul has long been on the list of artists we wanted to exhibit here. With his strong connections to Gore we are delighted he has chosen to focus on Te Au Nui, the Matura Falls, for this exhibition which explores the rich historical, cultural and ecological tapestry of the falls.”

On Sunday 22 September Paul will present an artist talk in conjunction with the exhibition.

Paul McLachlan - Biography

Paul McLachlan is transdisciplinary artist with an BFA (Hons) in painting from Massey University and an MFA in printmaking (Distinction) from the University of Canterbury, currently residing in Mataura. He has garnered international recognition, exhibiting his artwork in Bangkok, Italy, and New Zealand. Paul is a recipient of prestigious awards, including the Jury Prize at the Wallace Art Awards in 2018 and the Ethel Susan Jones Scholarship from the University of Canterbury in 2013, as well as the Aspring Art Prize, Southland Art Award, Central Otago Art Award, and the Peter Doig Art Award.

His artworks grace both public and private collections worldwide, including prestigious institutions like the Waikato Museum, Hocken Library, Canterbury University, Pataka Art + Museum, American Embassy in Wellington, Eastern Southland Gallery, Venice Printmaking Studio Collection in Italy, and the Guanlan International Collection in China.

His artistic journey has been marked by versatility, having previously excelled in various disciplines such as prints, large-scale tapestries, and drawings. In 2020, he pioneered a groundbreaking approach, unveiling multi-layered works that blend painting and engraving techniques. His latest work makes use of chromatics, tonal modulations, and light-strike brush presence, resulting in artworks that captivate with their apparent visual simplicity, yet reveal intriguing complexity upon closer examination. The deeply recessed surfaces create compelling visual rhythms, interweaving expressive lines and dynamic movements, while exploring the intricate architecture of landscapes and forests. His work delves into spiritual, humanist, and environmental themes, traversing through time, myth, and ecological concerns.

Admission free.

Gallery Hours: Monday to Friday 10am – 4.30pm, Weekends 1-4pm.