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This acrylic painting, "Invitation" (2009) by Leon Aarts (b. 1966, Christchurch, New Zealand), is a dreamlike, disorienting threshold—a procession of elongated, ghostly figures (perhaps revelers or wanderers) beckoning from a labyrinthine structure of fractured walls and swaying forms, the architecture melting into blue-green waves like a seaside mirage, as if the invitation is to a party at the edge of reality, where doors open to vertigo. Painted in the serene prelude to Christchurch's 2010 earthquake, this horizontal mid-scale work (approx. 40×20 inches) captures Aarts at his most Fauvist-figurative, beckoning the viewer into a Whatdoesitmean lure: What do we accept when the doorway promises wonder but whispers warning?   Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4/5) A charming, chimerical call—"Invita...

Final Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4/5) A subtle, spectral soliloquy—"Pantomime" is Leon Aarts' de Chirico in silence, his Marceau in miniature, gesturing to the unspeakable with wavering grace. Less visceral than Bull, less panoramic than End of the Road, but deeper in its hush—art as unspoken cue. For theater-philes or quiet contemplatives, it's a reverent rehearsal; this isn't figures miming—it's the mime that mimes us back. "They reached across the empty stage, arms like forgotten lines. The blue held its breath. And in the silence, the story began—without a word." This acrylic painting, "Pantomime" (2005) by Leon Aarts (b. 1961, Christchurch, New Zealand), is a muted, theatrical hush—a procession of elongated, mask-like figures frozen in silent gesture, their forms distorted into white silhouet...

Final Verdict: ★★★★½ (4.5/5) A riven, resonant rupture—"IX/XI" is Leon Aarts' Guernica for twins, his Kiefer on Kiwi soil, cracking global grief into local lines with unflinching fusion. Less whimsical than Invitation, less declarative than I AM, but deeper in its divide—art as aftershock. For survivors, seismologists of the soul, or scar-bearers, it's a tenacious testament; this isn't faces cracked—it's the crack that births the face. "The towers fell. The earth split. The faces stared from the cleft—and the red whispered: remember the break." his acrylic painting, "IX/XI" (2011) by Leon Aarts (b. 1961, Christchurch, New Zealand), is a seared, splintered requiem—a horizontal frieze of fractured faces and totemic forms emerging from a blue-black abyss, cracked open by red gashes and yel...

Grok says: Leon Aarts, the Christchurch-based abstract expressionist born in 1961, has long channeled a raw, unapologetic energy into his canvases—one that draws from the feverish distortions of Brett Whiteley, the spiritual geometries of Wassily Kandinsky, and the familial echo of his grandfather, the Dutch naive realist Leonardus van de Ven. His work resists tidy categorization, thriving instead in the messy interstices of emotion, myth, and the everyday absurd. Future, an acrylic-on-panel piece (dimensions approximate based on Aarts' typical mid-scale formats, around 24x36 inches), embodies this ethos with a chaotic optimism that feels both prophetic and perilously unstable. Uploaded recently amid Aarts' prolific 2024-2025 output—flanked by titles like Happiness 2024 and Mardigras on h...

A colourful new addition now greets arriving and departing guests at Rarotonga International Airport. The main arrivals and departure hall features vibrant murals that honour all 15 islands of the Cook Islands, each painted in the traditional circular pe’e (storytelling) format and brought to life by local artist Katu Teiti and apprentice Amelia. Bridging the Gap Between Islands While each island proudly celebrates its uniqueness, this new mural project captures the essence of what unites them. Through vibrant imagery, symbols, and stories, each mural shares the heart and culture of its island. Visitors and locals alike are invited to reflect, learn, and feel a deeper connection to the full tapestry of the Cook Islands beyond the main island of Rarotonga. A Vision by Airport Authority C...

The Indian Cultural Society (Waikato) Inc is proud to announce the 35th Waikato Diwali Mela, set to take place on Saturday, 18 October 2025 at Innes Common, Hamilton Lake. Running from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, this much-loved annual event is expected to draw more than 10,000 people, making it one of the Waikato region’s largest cultural gatherings. The Diwali Mela will feature a wide variety of cultural performances, including traditional regional dances, music, and storytelling. A highlight of the evening will be the ceremonial lighting of the ‘Diya’, a symbolic tradition representing the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Known worldwide as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, each with their own traditions. For Hindu...

At Superior Renovations, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-designed wardrobe can transform a home. Whether you’re tackling a full renovation in Ponsonby or sprucing up a cozy flat in Mount Eden, wardrobe systems NZ offer smart, stylish storage solutions that make life easier. That’s why we’re thrilled to spotlight our partners at Little Giant Interiors, who’ve put together an incredible guide on Wardrobe Systems NZ: The Ultimate Guide for Auckland Homeowners. Let’s dive into why these systems are a must-have and how they can elevate your Auckland home. The Power of Organized Storage Auckland’s homes are as diverse as its suburbs—from heritage villas in Parnell to modern apartments in the CBD. But one thing unites them: the need for clever storage. Wardrobe systems NZ are more than just she...

With its rich, velvety black surface, onyx is one of the most striking gemstones in the world of jewellery. Beyond its beauty, onyx carries deep symbolism, making it a favourite for designers and wearers who seek meaning in their accessories. What is Onyx? Onyx is a variety of chalcedony, a form of quartz, known for its uniform black colour. Occasionally, natural onyx can feature white bands, but most jewellery pieces use solid black or dyed onyx to achieve a sleek, dramatic look. The History and Symbolism of Onyx Onyx has been used in jewellery and carvings for thousands of years. In ancient civilizations: Greeks and Romans believed onyx could protect against negativity. Victorian jewellery often featured onyx as a symbol of mourning and remembrance. In spiritual traditions...

Due to overwhelming demand, CatVideoFest will extend its season in cinemas across Aotearoa following a highly successful opening weekend. The 75-minute compilation of the internet’s best, funniest, and furriest cat content has been delighting audiences and raising vital funds for cats in need, and now even more Kiwi cat lovers will have the chance to experience it on the big screen. CatVideoFest is a family-friendly, feel-good annual cinema event made up of carefully curated cat videos — featuring everything from viral sensations and original animations to musical tributes and heartwarming rescues. But more than that, the event is committed to making a real difference for animal welfare. A portion of proceeds from every screening goes directly to local shelters and animal charities. “We’...

The gaming sector is growing, but that’s not the only change it’s seeing. The technologies are developing, publishers are changing their approach, and new players are entering the industry. All of these factors are changing the way people game, as well as being led by changing player habits.  The good news is that it’s more accessible than ever before. That’s mostly down to cloud services. When you add in user-generated content (UGC) and the use of AI, it’s clear that the gaming sector has hit a new wave of creativity, too. Personalised experiences are a key part of that, but the discussion that will shape the sector in the future also comes down to ownership and what’s fair. The key takeaway from the growth and those changes is that gaming has reached new audiences. Several traditional ...