John Madden

Born into a coalmining family on the West Coast of the South Island, John Madden studied under renowned landscape artist Toss Woollaston and now lives in Karekare on the West Coast of Auckland. Madden was raised with the Gaelic tongue of his grandfather and an appreciation of an Irish immigrants view of life. Madden has a spiritual passion for the land and it is this respect for the land, both in its spiritual and physical nature, that Madden embraces in the west coast. His surroundings provide a background for his paintings, rich in drama, colour and texture. Thick surface layering of brass and silver metallic paint, sand, coloured ink and oil paint combine to mimic the corrosive effect of the west coast elements. These surfaces speak of isolation, neglect and change but also of unfettered beauty. Madden has exhibited most years in a group show somewhere in New Zealand from Dunedin to Auckland. He has also exhibited in solo shows in Auckland annually since 1990. Recently Madden built a kiln on his property and he has been producing ceramic pieces as well as mixed media on canvas and wood. He has had many commissions and is included in public and private collections throughout New Zealand.