One of this country’s most widely respected artists, Wellingtonian Gordon Crook has been breaking boundaries for more than 30 years. His works range from huge abstract tapestries (which hang in the Michael Fowler Centre and in several overseas embassies) to folding screens painted with images based on prehistoric religions.

Some of his most innovative work has been produced in collaboration with like-minded technical experts such as craft weavers, woodworkers and digital printers. In his latest show at Idiom Studio, Gordon worked with ex-Wellingtonian, now New York-based, graphic designer and typographer Phil Kelly.

This series of large digital prints on photographic paper began as drawings in Gordon’s sketchbook, inspired by thoughts of UFOs, aliens and alchemists. Phil says, “I was home earlier in the year and we discussed ways of reproducing the drawings, which gave Gordon the chance to experiment with new technology.” He photographed the drawings then altered the digital images on his computer, under Gordon’s fascinated direction.”The results, says Gordon, are like “angel’s tears, glimpses of the numinous, the mystery that eludes us”.

“It was a joy to work with Gordon again,” says Phil. “He is unbelievably concise, his sense of colour is extremely refined. He knew exactly what he wanted and the work was done in a couple of tightly focused sessions. He doesn't miss a beat.”

Gordon has also produced a startling series of drawings based on crop circles, the complex and inexplicable patterns which appear overnight in fields of grain. “I’ve never seen an actual crop circle, only pictures of them,” he says. “But by making drawings of them, I’ve realised what powerful images they are. This work means more to me than anything I’ve ever done.”

“Gordon is an inspiration to me,” Phil says. “I regard him as a mentor - an example of how a creative life should be lived. His work continues to get stronger. The suite of large gouache paintings in red, blue and black in particular are fantastic pieces, as strong as anything of his I've seen.”

Click here for information on Gordon's previous exhibition at Idiom.

See some of Gordon's more recent work at: www.marynewtongallery.com