John McNicholas
John McNicholas is an Auckland-based artist whose distinctive paintings of Aotearoa are characterised by their textural, topographical and vivid qualities. His unique style incorporates graphic and abstract elements, often viewed from an aerial perspective. Having lived in Taranaki and Wellington before settling in Auckland, John has developed a strong appreciation for the defining landmarks and geography of these regions.
Depicting landscapes from a ‘higher plane’ gives his paintings a map-like quality, allowing the viewer to see beyond familiar horizons and gain a greater sense of how each region is laid out. Through layered surfaces and rich texture, his work evokes the physical contours of the land while retaining a strong graphic quality.
Rooted in real New Zealand landscapes, John’s paintings capture the essence of place symbolically, carving out familiar coastlines and landmarks with a renewed sense of mystery and imagination.
