Maria Kemp

Maria Kemp is an established and highly successful local artist who excels at capturing the fluidity of the local landscape. She has painted for over 20 years and this turned into her full time profession in 2003. Since 1990 she has had 8 solo shows and has also exhibited in numerous group shows.

“My desire has been to transpose conceptual ideas in visual language. Inland regions of Otago and greater Strath Taieri are recurring subjects in my painting. These landscapes have been centered on my childhood memories of Sunday drives with my family. I am currently exploring the ideas of memory, faith and perception.

Physical realities of my life’s experiences and memories of where I come from, what is familiar to me, who I am, and my spiritual beliefs and theories. In my painting I portray the metaphorical notion of the earth stretched out like fabric, suggesting a craftsman, designer or omnipotent creator. I identify the earth as a garment with its patterns, folds, and complex ordered design, I see continuous affinities that fascinate and resonate within me. I am drawn to the concept of seeing all the elements in our lives being woven together on an unseen loom.” - Maria Kemp

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