Tūī No. 5

This striking close-up of a tūī invites the viewer into an intimate encounter with one of Aotearoa’s most iconic native birds. At first glance, the tūī is often perceived as black, but this painting challenges that illusion, revealing a dazzling array of iridescent colours in the plumage. The bird’s eye is a powerful focal point, sharp and intelligent, as it locks directly with the viewer, creating a sense of connection and presence. The gaze feels both inquisitive and watchful, as if the tūī is caught mid-thought. This work is a celebration of the unseen - the quiet intricacies that lie just beneath the surface, waiting to be noticed.