In the stillness between two waves of the sea – Richard Elderton

“Interpretation of colour, paint application, composition, subject matter and sensibility; my approach has been to refine and distill these five core elements in my practice, ensuring that each piece—and the body of work as a whole—maintains a clear, intrinsic balance. The subjects of these paintings are drawn from personal experiences over the past year, spanning time spent in both Japan and Aotearoa.”
— Richard Elderton, 2025

In the stillness between two waves of the sea, Elderton’s fourth exhibition at City Art Depot, represents a continuation of his exploration of Japanese aesthetics and philosophical concepts. With richly hued oil paint, he captures the mysterious beauty of nature and the transcience of life. Thoughtfully composed, each brushstroke echoes an intentionality to create harmony between paint and subject. Elderton’s works carry a subtle emotional resonance that gradually unfolds, emerging in the space between observed natural forms, the illusionistic qualities of paint, and an underlying contemplative sensibility.
— Cameron Ralston, Gallery Manager