Don Binney: Flight Path

Don Binney was a New Zealand artist who was known for his paintings, prints, teaching, writing, and ornithology. This book follows his life and career, from his childhood in Te Henga / Bethells Beach to his travels in Latin America and Europe. It is richly illustrated with his paintings, drawings, and prints, and includes photographs and documentary materials.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2023
Publisher: Auckland University Press

From his meteoric rise to fame in the early 1960s until his passing in 2012, Don Binney was a dynamic presence on the New Zealand cultural landscape. His distinctive and stylized bird depictions have become synonymous with a particular era in the nation's artistic evolution. Don Binney: Flight Path takes readers on a journey through the artist's life, tracing his artistic roots from Te Henga / Bethells Beach, his place of tūrangawaewae, to his travels across Aotearoa, as well as to Latin America and Europe. Award-winning author and curator Gregory OBrien delves into the world of this talented yet enigmatic artist, drawing extensively from Binney's letters, journals, and other writings. The book is lavishly illustrated with Binney's paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, and documentary materials, making it the first comprehensive monograph on one of New Zealand's most significant twentieth-century artists.

Binney's artistic journey began in his hometown of Auckland, where he was born in 1940. He showed a keen interest in art from a young age and was encouraged by his parents to pursue his passion. After completing his secondary education, Binney enrolled at the Elam School of Fine Arts in Auckland, where he studied painting under the guidance of renowned artists such as Colin McCahon and Rita Angus.

During his time at Elam, Binney developed a distinctive style that combined elements of abstraction and realism. His paintings often featured bold colors and intricate patterns, reflecting his interest in both traditional Maori art and modernist movements. His early works were influenced by the landscapes of his native New Zealand, particularly the rugged coastline and the mountains.

However, Binney's artistic horizons expanded beyond New Zealand in the 1960s. He traveled extensively, visiting countries such as Peru, Mexico, and Spain, where he was inspired by the rich cultural heritage and the vibrant colors of the local landscapes. His travels also exposed him to the works of other artists, particularly the Spanish surrealist painter Salvador Dalí, who had a profound impact on his artistic development.

Binney's paintings during this period were characterized by a sense of exploration and experimentation. He incorporated elements of abstraction, surrealism, and symbolism into his work, creating images that were both visually striking and thought-provoking. His paintings often depicted birds, which became a recurring theme in his art.

In addition to his painting, Binney was also a printmaker and teacher. He taught at various art schools and universities in New Zealand and abroad, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring artists. He was particularly interested in promoting the use of color and abstraction in art, and his teaching methods were highly influential in the development of contemporary New Zealand art.

Binney's contributions to the New Zealand cultural scene were significant. His paintings and prints have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and his work has been celebrated for its boldness, originality, and cultural significance. His influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary New Zealand artists, who have drawn inspiration from his bold use of color and his exploration of abstract and surrealist forms.

In conclusion, Don Binney was a multifaceted artist who made a significant impact on the New Zealand cultural scene. His distinctive and stylized bird depictions have become synonymous with a particular era in the nation's artistic evolution. Through his travels and exploration, Binney pushed the boundaries of artistic expression, creating images that were both visually striking and thought-provoking. His contributions to art education and his promotion of the use of color and abstraction in art have left a lasting legacy, and his work continues to inspire and influence contemporary artists.

Dimension: 290 x 240 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781869409661