Introducing Ron Left and David Ryan, two artists new to Fe29, and with fresh works by Philippa Blair and Robert Macdonald, this group show provides a glimpse into upcoming exhibitions for 2026-27.
Painter, Ron Left spent many years (both studying and teaching) in Art and Design at AUT, Auckland. Earning his MA in 2005 and completing a PhD in 2016, he has since returned to full-time painting in his Auckland studio. This exhibition includes a selection of paintings (acrylic on plywood) from Left’s Fenestra and Recto Verso series.
With an MFA from RMIT University, Melbourne, Nelson based painter and mixed-media artist David Ryan completed undergraduate and post-graduate studies at Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne. With 31 solo shows and 35 curated group shows, Ryan’s work is held in numerous private and public collections throughout the world. Referencing the Sefton landscape, a selection of drawings, mixed media works and paintings in oil on canvas shows the versatility in Ryan’s practice.
International artist, Philippa Blair (1945-2025) was a teacher to many, and exhibited regularly, both nationally and internationally, for most of her long and distinguished career. A testament to her significance as a major artist, Blair’s work is held in over 50 public and significant private collections in New Zealand, Australia, USA, and throughout Asia, Europe and Scandinavia. Two large, bold works (1993) recently received from Blair’s estate, provide just a peek at what will be a varied and exciting solo exhibition opening early September 2026.
Growing up in NZ, and now residing in Wales, several paintings and prints by Robert Macdonald give a nod to his solo show, opening late October 2026. Macdonald, a painter and printmaker for over 7 decades, will be travelling from the Brecon Beacons for the show, which will include works from 1958 through to the current day. The small paintings in coloured inks were some of the many pictures Macdonald created after arriving in London from New Zealand in 1958, working very quickly and expressively.
Rounding out the show are works from Ina Johann’s Rambunctious Gardens series, and several Morgan Jones’ works from our previous exhibition Drawings in Space.