EXHIBITION 2023: Coronation Celebration 2023

21 April – 21 May 2023

On May 6 2023 King Charles III will be crowned. The Academy has invited artists to submit fine artworks for this special exhibition to mark the Coronation and continue a long tradition of artists commemorating moments in history.

To mark Charles III’s naval career, and his rank of Admiral of the Fleet of the Royal New Zealand Navy, the Academy has invited the RNZN to display artworks of ‘His Majesty’s New Zealand Ships’. Paintings by the official RNZN artist LTCDR Colin Wynn include HMNZS Wellington during a voyage to Antarctica and HMNZS Monowai’s dramatic rescue during the 1994 Auckland to Tonga race.

Monowai Rescue by Colin Wynn                                           

Featured artists at this exhibition are Fellow of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts Philip Markham and Academy Life Member Jenny Shearer.  Philip Markham’s series of medieval, heraldry-inspired illuminations are set in the sumptuous, previous, Carolean era of Charles II. His works are resplendent in gold and silver, with kings on thrones, women in their finery and pennants billowing in the wind. Jenny Shearer’s collection of ceramics for royal occasions includes goblets, platters, jugs, banquet bowls, Maids of Honour candlesticks and King and Queen teapots. The exhibition includes artworks of 68 practising artist members of the Academy of Fine Arts. These are exciting new works in all media.

Take me to the Fair  by Philip Markham FNZAFA    

Charles II R by Philip Markham FNZAFA      

Goblets by Jenny Shearer

Formal opening

The Opening will be held on Thursday April 20 2023 from 6pm-8pm. It will be a formal event opened by The Right Hon. Dame Patsy Reddy GNZM CVO QSO  DStJ.  Guests will join Dame Patsy in toasting the King. There will be musical entertainment. Guests will be asked to wear evening attire (black tie or suit for men) and medals may be worn.

Tickets are $40 (admits 2) as a fundraiser for the Academy, available at the Academy Galleries.

Featured artist notes

Fellow of the NZAFA Philip Markham with his work “Take me to the Fair”, one of a series of three heraldic paintings for the ‘Coronation Celebration’ exhibition. Philip is known for his warm earthy-toned landscapes, brilliant medieval heraldry-inspired illuminations, and exquisite portraits. He is a highly regarded award-winning artist. 

Life Member of the NZAFA Jennifer Shearer in her studio with a lustre jug for the ‘Coronation Celebration’ exhibition. Her ceramics /pottery artworks are refined, different, and mostly usable urban ritual vessels. Jennifer is one of New Zealand’s most experienced potters. 

Royal New Zealand Navy Artist LTCDR Colin Wynn became the Royal New Zealand Navy’s official artist in 1983. He was well known as one of New Zealand’s leading sea and landscape artists. He uses artistic licence in his naval works but also pays considerable attention to detail. Colin works in a variety of media, mainly oil and acrylic but also gouache, water colour or pastel as required by the subject mood or location. To date, Colin has completed over 100 works in his role as Navy artist.