Currently on display at Inner State Gallery in Detroit, Michigan is the brilliant New Zealand based artist Askew’s solo show of absolutely outstanding, brand new paintings entitled “Post Colonial.”
The stunning new work for “Post Colonial” reflects on ideas of how colonialism has shaped and formed New Zealand throughout the years with portraits of the people of New Zealand’s diverse community. Askew is able to somehow visually define a people’s history by capturing a single glance within each work of vivid beauty.
“There is no doubt that we live in a post-colonial world. In New Zealand this has shaped the reality of roughly the past 200 years. It is impossible to have a discussion around any aspect of life within our region without acknowledging that colonialism is what has driven and stirred the Pacific diaspora. From occupation to settlement, religious influences, wars and their impacts on cultural identity and autonomy, all of this factors into this history,” Askew said from his studio in Auckland, New Zealand. “To dig back only a few generations, there are so many stories of struggle and great adversity, but also stories of hope, resilience and determination. I am fascinated with how the ocean connects many historic and cultural narratives, most specifically in a post-colonial context. The people I paint are a reflection of these stories.”
“Post Colonial” is on display until July 9th, 2016. If you are in the Detroit area this show should absolutely be sought out and visited. Don’t miss it!
Continue below to see more of Askew’s paintings for the show:
