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Biography

Joanna Fieldes (née Abraham), born in 1959, Feilding, New Zealand.

She grew up in the region of Northern Wairarapa, at the foot of the Tararua Ranges on a sheep and cattle farm, the house surrounded by a huge woodland garden, which her parents created.

From an early age her parents nurtured her creative talents and love of our flora and fauna, with a healthy respect for our environment.

In 2021 Joanna moved to Whangarei, after living on the outskirts of Auckland for nearly thirty years.

Joanna is mostly a self-taught artist, which has enabled her to develop a unique style of her own, unencumbered by conventional modes of representation.

She has a strong interest in New Zealand history and healthy respect for both Pākehā and Māori cultures. Using her art as a form of storytelling, she ‘takes history for a walk’, with no firm conclusions, she gives food for thought.

Since the early 1990’s, her paintings (predominately oil) have been successfully exhibited in solo, joint and group shows in public and private galleries around New Zealand. Her artwork is featured in the 2007 Celebrate Art Resource Pack, under the title ‘Identity and Belonging’, used by teachers in schools in both New Zealand and Australia.

In more recent years, she has extended her art practice to that of a printmaker, using her painterly style to create her prints.

TIMELINE of EXHIBITIONS:

2024 The Expanded Field of Print - An exhibition selected by Steve Lovett of print works created by members of Print Council Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ), exhibited at NorthArt Galleries, Northcote, Auckland.

2023 Paper - Works Gallery Christmas Show, group exhibition, 2023.

2023 Celebrate 130 - Woman Beyond Politics, group exhibition, Franklin Art Centre.

2023 ‘Celebration’ selected works exhibition for Print Council Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ) members held at Aratoi, Wairarapa Museum of Art and History in Masterton from 4th March to 4th June 2023.

2023 Finalist for the New Zealand Painting and Printmaking Award, 2023, Judged by Dr Carole Shepheard and Evan Woodroffe for my print work ‘Venture South – Landed’.

2023 PredARTor Free Showcase, group exhibition at Pukeiti Gardens, Taranaki.

2022 Predator Free New Zealand 2050, group exhibition at Estuary Arts Centre, Orewa, Auckland, 6th Sept-2nd October 2022 and Auckland Botanic Gardens, 22nd October- 14th November 2022.

2020 Here & There - Contemplating the Landscape, group exhibition, MD Gallery (Megan Dickenson Gallery), Whangarei.

2020 Greener Pastures, solo exhibition at Arthaus Contemporary, Orakei Basin, Auckland

2019 Franklin Arts Festival received 1st prize in the Printmaking section with 'Meat in the Middle', 2019, V/P 8/10 drypoint/monoprint, oil etching ink.

2019 Intersect, 11th May-22nd June, exhibition of new works by members of artists collective 'left-field', at Papakura Art Gallery.

2017 Cast of Mind - Solo Exhibition, Papakura Art Gallery

2015 Potters and Painters Group Show - The Vivian Gallery - collaboration with ceramic artist Fran Maguire

2015 Selected for The New Zealand Painting and Printmakers Award, 2015 - Waikato Society of Arts

2014 The Spine of the Land / Te ua o Te Whenua, Papakura Art Gallery. The artists work included in this exhibition are: Joyce Campbell / Dawn Harris / Priscilla Cowie / Yvonne Rust / Sue Treanor / Joanna Fieldes / Rodney Fumpston / Amelia Hitchcock / Don Binney / Haruhiko Sameshima / Sarah Smuts-Kennedy / Delena Nathuran / Belinda Griffiths / A.D.Schierning / John Pusateri / Will Ngakura / Greer Twiss / Bing Dawe / Simon Kaan / Denise Batchelor / The Kauri Project Postcards

2014 Seeing the Landscape: New Views, group show curated by Emma Topping, Uxbridge Arts

2014 Autumn Show - Joanna Fieldes & Toss Woollaston - The Gallery at Woollaston, Nelson

2014  Containment - Joint exhibition with ceramic artist Fran Maguire - The Gallery at Woollaston, Nelson
read review

2013 Selected for The New Zealand Painting and Printmakers Award, 2013 - Waikato Society of Arts

2012 Guest artist, 60th Annual Spring Show, Anderson Park Gallery, Invercargill

2012 Claim to Clay - Red Exposure, joint exhibition with ceramic artist Fran Maguire, Red Art Gallery, Nelson

2011 Claim to Clay II, joint exhibition with ceramic artist Fran Maguire, Millennium Public Art Gallery, Blenheim

2011 Animal Incarnations, Papakura Art Gallery. Exhibition curated by Tracey Williams. The works of the following artists were included: Joanna Braithwaite, Bonnie Crickett, John Eaden, Katrina Edwards, Joanna Fieldes, Andrea Gaskin, Michael Harrison, Eyelyn Kawiti, Gregor Kregar, Hye Rim Lee, Jeff Lockhart, Peter Madden, Emma McLellan, Richard Orjis, Hamish Palmer, Niamh Peren, Aleksandra Petrovic and Grant Whibley.

2011 About Face, aspects of portraiture, Papakura Art Gallery. Exhibition curated by Rhoda Fowler. The works of the following artists were included:   Martin Ball, Octavia Cook, Jacqueline Fahey, Joanna Fieldes, Gavin Hurley, Damien Kurth, Mary McIntyre, Sam Mitchell, Zarahn Southon, Sally Tagg, Ann Verdcourt, Haihui Wang and Tracey Williams

2010 Claim to Clay, joint exhibition with ceramic artist Fran Maguire, Auckland Botanic Gardens, Visitor Centre Huakaiwaka, Auckland

2009 Finalist in the James Wallace Award

2008 The painting 'Casserole' was included in the Manukau City Council Axis: Selected works exhibition, as part of the Manukau Festival of Arts 08. The painting is part of the Auckland Council art collection.

2007 Painting 'Headland', 2006, included in Whangarei Art Museum/ Outreach Gallery, Kauri Festival,‘Tears for Tanes Children' exhibition

2006 ‘Gravy’, Solo exhibition, OREX GALLERY (Oedipus Rex Gallery), Auckland

2005 Painting 'The Offering', 2003, was included in the significant KIWI, Group exhibition, Rotorua Museum of Art and History

2005 Group Show, Koro lounge, International Airport

2004 Commissioned painting, 'Gentian Connection', 2004, was officially presented to Prince Akishinomiya and Princess Kiko (members of the Japanese Royal family).

2004 ‘Food for Thought’, Solo show, Ardor Gallery, Parnell

2003 ‘The Drama of the Seen’, Group show, Ardor Gallery

2001 ‘Art for Collection’, Joint show, Papakura Art Gallery

2000 ‘Art for Collection’, Joint show, Papakura Art Gallery

1999 ‘Just a Country Girl at Heart’, Taylor-Jensen Fine Arts Gallery, Palmerston North

joint Show, Papakura Art Gallery

1998 ‘Sacred Sheep’, Solo show, Gallery 16, Kumeu

Highly Commended, Ida Eise Award, ASA (painting titled 'Politics with Attitude')

Commendation Award at the Iris Fisher selected works exhibition, Pakuranga Art Society

Fisher Gallery (painting titled 'Crown Roast 2')

1997 Finalist in the Nola Holmwood Trust for Portrait Painting Award

Guest artist for the biennial Eketahuna Art Exhibition

1994 Solo show, Old Firehouse Gallery, Waipu

Public Gallery Exhibitions:

2023 Celebrate 130 - Woman Beyond Politics, group exhibition, Franklin Art Centre.

2023 ‘Celebration’ selected works exhibition for Print Council Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ) members held at Aratoi, Wairarapa Museum of Art and History in Masterton from 4th March to 4th June 2023.

2014 The Spine of the Land / Te ua o Te Whenua, Papakura Art Gallery. The artists work included in this exhibition are: Joyce Campbell / Dawn Harris / Priscilla Cowie / Yvonne Rust / Sue Treanor / Joanna Fieldes / Rodney Fumpston / Amelia Hitchcock / Don Binney / Haruhiko Sameshima / Sarah Smuts-Kennedy / Delena Nathuran / Belinda Griffiths / A.D.Schierning / John Pusateri / Will Ngakura / Greer Twiss / Bing Dawe / Simon Kaan / Denise Batchelor / The Kauri Project Postcards

2014 Seeing the Landscape: New Views, group show curated by Emma Topping, Malcolm Smith Gallery - Uxbridge Arts

2013 'How Iconic', group show curated by Emma Topping, Malcolm Smith Gallery - Uxbridge Arts

2011 Claim to Clay II, joint exhibition with ceramic artist Fran Maguire, Millennium Public Art Gallery, Blenheim

2011   Animal Incarnations, Papakura Art Gallery. Exhibition curated by Tracey Williams. The works of the following artists were included: Joanna Braithwaite, Bonnie Crickett, John Eaden, Katrina Edwards, Joanna Fieldes, Andrea Gaskin, Michael Harrison, Eyelyn Kawiti, Gregor Kregar, Hye Rim Lee, Jeff Lockhart, Peter Madden, Emma McLellan, Richard Orjis, Hamish Palmer, Niamh Peren, Aleksandra Petrovic and Grant Whibley.

2011 About Face, aspects of portraiture, Papakura Art Gallery. Exhibition curated by Rhoda Fowler. The works of the following artists were included:   Martin Ball, Octavia Cook, Jacqueline Fahey, Joanna Fieldes, Gavin Hurley, Damien Kurth, Mary McIntyre, Sam Mitchell, Zarahn Southon, Sally Tagg, Ann Verdcourt, Haihui Wang and Tracey Williams

2007 Painting 'Headland', 2006, included in Whangarei Art Museum/ Outreach Gallery, Kauri Festival, ‘Tears for Tanes Children' exhibition.

2005 Painting 'The Offering', 2003, was included in the significant KIWI, Group exhibition, Rotorua Museum of Art and History.

MEDIA/PUBLICATIONS:

2024 - Print Council Aotearoa New Zealand and NorthArt, 'The Expanded Field of Print', selected exhibition. Published by INC Productions 2024. The Artist Catalogues Series.

2022: Artwork ‘Making Headway’, published in the book called PROOF: Two decades of Print Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. Past, present, and looking forward. ISBN: 978-1-99-101613-3

2014  Containment - Joint exhibition with ceramic artist Fran Maguire - The Gallery at Woollaston, Nelson
read review

2007 Artwork under the title ‘Identity and Belonging’ feature in 'Celebrate Art Resources' pack which can be obtained from www.integratededucation.com

Biography

Joanna Fieldes (née Abraham), born in 1959, Feilding, New Zealand.

She grew up in the region of Northern Wairarapa, at the foot of the Tararua Ranges on a sheep and cattle farm, the house surrounded by a huge woodland garden, which her parents created.

From an early age her parents nurtured her creative talents and love of our flora and fauna, with a healthy respect for our environment.

In 2021 Joanna moved to Whangarei, after living on the outskirts of Auckland for nearly thirty years.

Joanna is mostly a self-taught artist, which has enabled her to develop a unique style of her own, unencumbered by conventional modes of representation.

She has a strong interest in New Zealand history and healthy respect for both Pākehā and Māori cultures. Using her art as a form of storytelling, she ‘takes history for a walk’, with no firm conclusions, she gives food for thought.

Since the early 1990’s, her paintings (predominately oil) have been successfully exhibited in solo, joint and group shows in public and private galleries around New Zealand. Her artwork is featured in the 2007 Celebrate Art Resource Pack, under the title ‘Identity and Belonging’, used by teachers in schools in both New Zealand and Australia.

In more recent years, she has extended her art practice to that of a printmaker, using her painterly style to create her prints.

TIMELINE of EXHIBITIONS:

2024 The Expanded Field of Print - An exhibition selected by Steve Lovett of print works created by members of Print Council Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ), exhibited at NorthArt Galleries, Northcote, Auckland.

2023 Paper - Works Gallery Christmas Show, group exhibition, 2023.

2023 Celebrate 130 - Woman Beyond Politics, group exhibition, Franklin Art Centre.

2023 ‘Celebration’ selected works exhibition for Print Council Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ) members held at Aratoi, Wairarapa Museum of Art and History in Masterton from 4th March to 4th June 2023.

2023 Finalist for the New Zealand Painting and Printmaking Award, 2023, Judged by Dr Carole Shepheard and Evan Woodroffe for my print work ‘Venture South – Landed’.

2023 PredARTor Free Showcase, group exhibition at Pukeiti Gardens, Taranaki.

2022 Predator Free New Zealand 2050, group exhibition at Estuary Arts Centre, Orewa, Auckland, 6th Sept-2nd October 2022 and Auckland Botanic Gardens, 22nd October- 14th November 2022.

2020 Here & There - Contemplating the Landscape, group exhibition, MD Gallery (Megan Dickenson Gallery), Whangarei.

2020 Greener Pastures, solo exhibition at Arthaus Contemporary, Orakei Basin, Auckland

2019 Franklin Arts Festival received 1st prize in the Printmaking section with 'Meat in the Middle', 2019, V/P 8/10 drypoint/monoprint, oil etching ink.

2019 Intersect, 11th May-22nd June, exhibition of new works by members of artists collective 'left-field', at Papakura Art Gallery.

2017 Cast of Mind - Solo Exhibition, Papakura Art Gallery

2015 Potters and Painters Group Show - The Vivian Gallery - collaboration with ceramic artist Fran Maguire

2015 Selected for The New Zealand Painting and Printmakers Award, 2015 - Waikato Society of Arts

2014 The Spine of the Land / Te ua o Te Whenua, Papakura Art Gallery. The artists work included in this exhibition are: Joyce Campbell / Dawn Harris / Priscilla Cowie / Yvonne Rust / Sue Treanor / Joanna Fieldes / Rodney Fumpston / Amelia Hitchcock / Don Binney / Haruhiko Sameshima / Sarah Smuts-Kennedy / Delena Nathuran / Belinda Griffiths / A.D.Schierning / John Pusateri / Will Ngakura / Greer Twiss / Bing Dawe / Simon Kaan / Denise Batchelor / The Kauri Project Postcards

2014 Seeing the Landscape: New Views, group show curated by Emma Topping, Uxbridge Arts

2014 Autumn Show - Joanna Fieldes & Toss Woollaston - The Gallery at Woollaston, Nelson

2014  Containment - Joint exhibition with ceramic artist Fran Maguire - The Gallery at Woollaston, Nelson
read review

2013 Selected for The New Zealand Painting and Printmakers Award, 2013 - Waikato Society of Arts

2012 Guest artist, 60th Annual Spring Show, Anderson Park Gallery, Invercargill

2012 Claim to Clay - Red Exposure, joint exhibition with ceramic artist Fran Maguire, Red Art Gallery, Nelson

2011 Claim to Clay II, joint exhibition with ceramic artist Fran Maguire, Millennium Public Art Gallery, Blenheim

2011 Animal Incarnations, Papakura Art Gallery. Exhibition curated by Tracey Williams. The works of the following artists were included: Joanna Braithwaite, Bonnie Crickett, John Eaden, Katrina Edwards, Joanna Fieldes, Andrea Gaskin, Michael Harrison, Eyelyn Kawiti, Gregor Kregar, Hye Rim Lee, Jeff Lockhart, Peter Madden, Emma McLellan, Richard Orjis, Hamish Palmer, Niamh Peren, Aleksandra Petrovic and Grant Whibley.

2011 About Face, aspects of portraiture, Papakura Art Gallery. Exhibition curated by Rhoda Fowler. The works of the following artists were included:   Martin Ball, Octavia Cook, Jacqueline Fahey, Joanna Fieldes, Gavin Hurley, Damien Kurth, Mary McIntyre, Sam Mitchell, Zarahn Southon, Sally Tagg, Ann Verdcourt, Haihui Wang and Tracey Williams

2010 Claim to Clay, joint exhibition with ceramic artist Fran Maguire, Auckland Botanic Gardens, Visitor Centre Huakaiwaka, Auckland

2009 Finalist in the James Wallace Award

2008 The painting 'Casserole' was included in the Manukau City Council Axis: Selected works exhibition, as part of the Manukau Festival of Arts 08. The painting is part of the Auckland Council art collection.

2007 Painting 'Headland', 2006, included in Whangarei Art Museum/ Outreach Gallery, Kauri Festival,‘Tears for Tanes Children' exhibition

2006 ‘Gravy’, Solo exhibition, OREX GALLERY (Oedipus Rex Gallery), Auckland

2005 Painting 'The Offering', 2003, was included in the significant KIWI, Group exhibition, Rotorua Museum of Art and History

2005 Group Show, Koro lounge, International Airport

2004 Commissioned painting, 'Gentian Connection', 2004, was officially presented to Prince Akishinomiya and Princess Kiko (members of the Japanese Royal family).

2004 ‘Food for Thought’, Solo show, Ardor Gallery, Parnell

2003 ‘The Drama of the Seen’, Group show, Ardor Gallery

2001 ‘Art for Collection’, Joint show, Papakura Art Gallery

2000 ‘Art for Collection’, Joint show, Papakura Art Gallery

1999 ‘Just a Country Girl at Heart’, Taylor-Jensen Fine Arts Gallery, Palmerston North

joint Show, Papakura Art Gallery

1998 ‘Sacred Sheep’, Solo show, Gallery 16, Kumeu

Highly Commended, Ida Eise Award, ASA (painting titled 'Politics with Attitude')

Commendation Award at the Iris Fisher selected works exhibition, Pakuranga Art Society

Fisher Gallery (painting titled 'Crown Roast 2')

1997 Finalist in the Nola Holmwood Trust for Portrait Painting Award

Guest artist for the biennial Eketahuna Art Exhibition

1994 Solo show, Old Firehouse Gallery, Waipu

Public Gallery Exhibitions:

2023 Celebrate 130 - Woman Beyond Politics, group exhibition, Franklin Art Centre.

2023 ‘Celebration’ selected works exhibition for Print Council Aotearoa New Zealand (PCANZ) members held at Aratoi, Wairarapa Museum of Art and History in Masterton from 4th March to 4th June 2023.

2014 The Spine of the Land / Te ua o Te Whenua, Papakura Art Gallery. The artists work included in this exhibition are: Joyce Campbell / Dawn Harris / Priscilla Cowie / Yvonne Rust / Sue Treanor / Joanna Fieldes / Rodney Fumpston / Amelia Hitchcock / Don Binney / Haruhiko Sameshima / Sarah Smuts-Kennedy / Delena Nathuran / Belinda Griffiths / A.D.Schierning / John Pusateri / Will Ngakura / Greer Twiss / Bing Dawe / Simon Kaan / Denise Batchelor / The Kauri Project Postcards

2014 Seeing the Landscape: New Views, group show curated by Emma Topping, Malcolm Smith Gallery - Uxbridge Arts

2013 'How Iconic', group show curated by Emma Topping, Malcolm Smith Gallery - Uxbridge Arts

2011 Claim to Clay II, joint exhibition with ceramic artist Fran Maguire, Millennium Public Art Gallery, Blenheim

2011   Animal Incarnations, Papakura Art Gallery. Exhibition curated by Tracey Williams. The works of the following artists were included: Joanna Braithwaite, Bonnie Crickett, John Eaden, Katrina Edwards, Joanna Fieldes, Andrea Gaskin, Michael Harrison, Eyelyn Kawiti, Gregor Kregar, Hye Rim Lee, Jeff Lockhart, Peter Madden, Emma McLellan, Richard Orjis, Hamish Palmer, Niamh Peren, Aleksandra Petrovic and Grant Whibley.

2011 About Face, aspects of portraiture, Papakura Art Gallery. Exhibition curated by Rhoda Fowler. The works of the following artists were included:   Martin Ball, Octavia Cook, Jacqueline Fahey, Joanna Fieldes, Gavin Hurley, Damien Kurth, Mary McIntyre, Sam Mitchell, Zarahn Southon, Sally Tagg, Ann Verdcourt, Haihui Wang and Tracey Williams

2007 Painting 'Headland', 2006, included in Whangarei Art Museum/ Outreach Gallery, Kauri Festival, ‘Tears for Tanes Children' exhibition.

2005 Painting 'The Offering', 2003, was included in the significant KIWI, Group exhibition, Rotorua Museum of Art and History.

MEDIA/PUBLICATIONS:

2024 - Print Council Aotearoa New Zealand and NorthArt, 'The Expanded Field of Print', selected exhibition. Published by INC Productions 2024. The Artist Catalogues Series.

2022: Artwork ‘Making Headway’, published in the book called PROOF: Two decades of Print Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. Past, present, and looking forward. ISBN: 978-1-99-101613-3

2014  Containment - Joint exhibition with ceramic artist Fran Maguire - The Gallery at Woollaston, Nelson
read review

2007 Artwork under the title ‘Identity and Belonging’ feature in 'Celebrate Art Resources' pack which can be obtained from www.integratededucation.com