Provocative new artworks in perspex by former Arthur's Point artist John Shewry have gone on display in Artbay Gallery.
Shewry, now of Oakura, said he was "exploring the concept of war and the way society accepts and directs it" with his piece and series Don't Want to be Late.
The mixed-media artist said he was "looking at ownership, material and intellectual" with his work, which features a Maori woman, eyes closed, leaning against a Maori sculpture, called Cow Girls Go Hard, along with more figures contrasted with day-glo colours in the works Another Man in a Bowler Hat and My Irish Sister.
The four pieces, ranging in price from $2200 to $3200, will be presented in the gallery in the Mountaineer building until sold.
In his artist's statement, Shewry said art was his "platform to voice a personal protest with form, meaning and colour".
"Objects of a found nature attract me greatly, to return something discarded, once loved and now unwanted, back to beauty encapsulates the full power of art.
"Society's need to fuel the 'want' of an object then discard it, also fulfills my obligation to our planet in re-use of the cast away."
Shewry said the process of the perspex works was similar to the lino or woodcut techniques he used.
"The work is also painted in reverse, with light colours first, as the paint is mostly sprayed or brushed on to the back side of the work.
"Normally, I am unable to see the work until the whole process is finished, as I cover the front of the work to protect it, hence there's always a little excitement at the end," he said.
