Conversations in Progress

by Andrew Swarbrick


Saturday 04 October to Saturday 01 November 2025

Time

10.00AM – 5.00PM

Venue: Pūmanawa Gallery

Between artwork and artist. The artist with themselves. The artist and their audience. The audience with the art. And, ultimately, the audience with themselves.
These conversations are ongoing, dynamic, and ever-changing. They shift with each encounter, reflecting who we are in the moment — our outlooks, beliefs, and emotions. Every return visit is different, because we are different.
Conversations in Progress is my conversation. It reveals not only the finished pieces, but the process of creation itself — exposed to public view in all its raw detail. The good, the bad, the awkward, and the uncertain. In embracing the fear of failure and vulnerability, I open myself to the possibility of growth, redemption, and triumph.
Each week, I’ll be joined by a local guest artist to showcase the vastly different techniques, skills, and processes of diverse practices. Expect live painting demonstrations, sculpting, collaborations, speed-painting tutorials, and more. This is a fluid exhibition with no fixed schedule — activities change daily, new works are added weekly, and the gallery itself becomes an ever-shifting landscape.
Alongside this evolving program, visitors can explore a collection of original artworks, artist studies, and limited-edition prints. A dedicated chill-out area offers a space to rest, reflect, or simply watch as the creation processes unfold in real time. Attendees are also encouraged to take part — grab a brush, join an activity, or add your own voice to the ongoing conversation.
In a world where A.I. and social media condition us to crave polished outcomes and instant gratification, Conversations in Progress invites you to reconnect with the beauty of the process — the focus, the struggle, the joy, and the dialogue between imagination and reality.
This is not just an exhibition. It’s an invitation to witness, to participate, and to create.

Artworks for sale.

Artist Bio

Residing in the picturesque landscapes of North Canterbury, New Zealand, Andrew Swarbrick has been passionately exploring the realms of oil painting since 2010.

Known for a distinctive approach, Andrew employs a limited palette to craft compelling works that span various genres, including realism, surrealism, portraiture, symbolism, and existentialism. Andrew is deeply committed to the transformative power of art, using the canvas as a medium to communicate complex narratives and evoke profound emotions. With a career marked by dedication and innovation, Andrew has become a prominent figure in the international art scene. The mastery of a limited palette is a hallmark of Andrew's technique. This deliberate choice enhances the visual impact of his works, allowing for a heightened focus on details and creating a unique aesthetic that distinguishes Andrew’s art from the conventional.

As Andrew continues to evolve and push the boundaries of artistic expression, his journey remains a testament to the transformative power of art and its ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. Andrew's oeuvre stands as a testament to his commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and inviting viewers to explore the myriad facets of the human experience through the lens of oil painting. With a career spanning over a decade, Andrew continues to captivate audiences with his evocative and thought-provoking creations.

Andrew Swarbrick Art

Location map

First floor, Boys’ High,
Worcester Boulevard

Market Square Hereford St Carpark Boys' High Entrance Engineering Laneway The Observatory Hotel Courtyard South Quad North Quad Registry Student Union The Gym Engineering Cloisters Studio Common Room Library Biology, Observatory and Physics Chemistry School of Art West Lecture Classics Rutherford's Den Clock Tower Boy's High Workshop Great Hall
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