London born Neal Palmer has a BA Hons in Fine Art from Trent University and was encouraged to experiment; his practice evolving from painting to printmaking, then installation. Working as a prop maker and scenic artist in film and television after graduating, Palmer lived and worked in the United Kingdom, Australia and in 1998 settled in New Zealand. Coming to terms with the natural environment of his new home, the artist engaged in painting again, to great success, finding a strong affinity and emotional nostalgic response from the native flax.
With a consistent interest in blending colour, pattern, texture and abstract forms, Palmer has consistently developed and perfected the illusion of a photographic depth of field. Allowing his work to slip in and out of pictorialism and abstract flatness; creating a tension between the paintings surface and the illusion of space. Aspiring for his work to be relational “on as many levels as possible” and passion for quality “mark-making that lifts the painting beyond the material world” is what drives this artist.
Selected Awards & Residencies
Finalist, The Estuary Art & Ecology Prize 2020
Finalist, Molly Morpeth Canaday 3D Award 2020
Finalist, The Estuary Art & Ecology Prize 2019
Artist in Residence, Eden Arts Trust Karekare Residency 2018
Finalist, Wallace Art Awards 2013, work purchased for collection
Artist in Residence, Art in the Park, Minaret Lodge, Wanaka 2013
Finalist and ‘Merit Award Winner’ Molly Morpeth Awards 2010
Finalist, Margaret Stoddart Prize 2008
Finalist, Wallace Art Awards 2004
Collections
Wallace Arts Trust, Auckland
Air New Zealand, Auckland/Los Angeles
Auckland Botanic Gardens, Auckland
Kings School Foundation, Auckland
ALease, Hong Kong
Citadel Capital, , Auckland
Private Collections in NZ, UK, Australia, USA, Spain, France, Malaysia and Hong Kong
2021 Formal Roots, Muse Gallery, Havelock North
2020 Thorny Issues, Föenander Galleries, Auckland
2019 Signs & Impressions, Muse, Havelock North
2019 Central Thread, Föenander Galleries, Auckland
2018 Twenty Two, Föenander Galleries, Auckland
2018 Floral Evolution, Muse, Havelock North
2017 Midas Touch, Föenander Galleries, Auckland