My name is Gareth Barlow. I was born and grew up in the Hutt Valley of Wellington, New Zealand. My art reflects the love of the culture I was surrounded by my entire life. Through family, friends, neighbours and teachers, I was encouraged to follow a journey of discovery and connection, a journey now expressed through my work.
After years of exhibiting in some of New Zealand’s most prestigious museums and galleries, I now specialise in private commissioned taonga imbued with personalised kaupapa for Iwi, whanau and individuals.
All my work is hinged on an overarching kaupapa inspired by the Te Arawa proverb:
Taketake ki te whenua, o tuawhakarere, o naianei, me ngā whakamua ka kotahi te hīkoi.
In this land past, present and future move as one.
Mauriora.
