Clare Reilly

Clare Reilly: Eye of the Calm is an exploration of New Zealand painter Clare Reilly’s life and work. The mixture of autobiographical writingand gorgeous paintings subtly shows how Reilly’s art and experiences areentwined. Her themes cover the issues of habitat destruction andrenewal, depicting native New Zealand birds in the landscape as metaphors forjoy. In an increasingly troubled and fast paced world, Reilly’s work offers theviewer a place to reflect on the healing qualities of nature and gather a senseof revitalisation.

‘Eye of the Calm’ was an exhibition title used by Reilly as an expressionof her life’s work. This expression is continued here with an insight into her beginningsas an artist and her subsequent career. Reilly has a strong connection tocoastal New Zealand and a great love of the country’s wildlife. From firstencounters with Tui in her grandmother’s garden to memories of rolling hillsoverlooking the ever-changing sea, these passions have inspired her work andare brought to life here in a beautiful collection.

Experience a sense of calm and hope with this story of a fascinatinglife told through both words and imagery. Themes including death, grief,finding new paths, and even dance and the joyful movement of birds in flightare explored in a manner that is personal, yet universal. A beautiful,meditative exploration of a life and a life’s work.