Paris Kirby: Puriri

Auckland-based artist Paris Kirby conveys the fundamental forms of our arboreal environment in her art. Past the crackling static of urban foliage, forgoing interaction mediated through a screen, each of Kirby’s works serves as a remedy for the isolation of the digital age. Kirby’s paintings attempt to bring the viewer to where the artist has stood; whether at the foot of Te Matua Ngahere, or caught below a snowscape’s canopy, the scenes enfold their onlookers. 

Here’s a little more about Paris and her work Puriri.

Where did you grow up?

I am Pakeha and grew up in Tāmaki Makaurau on the North Shore. I feel very fortunate to have spent a large portion of my upbringing in the ocean and exploring the nature of this precious place. I whakapapa to Scotland and England and have spiritual ties to the highlands of Scotland. As a creative practitioner in an Aotearoa context, it is important for me to honour where I come from, my ancestors, the mana whenua of Aotearoa and Ti Tiriti o Waitangi.

I now call Laingholm in Waitakere home and I have a deep love and sense of responsibility for taking care of the local environment.

What inspired this piece?

This painting was inspired both by an actual Puriri tree that is located in Ti Point, and an exploration into my personal relationship with trees.

I have been awe-inspired by mature trees since childhood. It always amazed me how large, unique and majestic they are, and how humbled I feel by them. Throughout my life, I have taken an interest in ancient perspectives and emerging science around the intelligence of trees.

There is something very poetic about the way humans and trees are harmonious in the shared breath. Trees breathe out oxygen that gives us life, we breathe out carbon dioxide giving trees life. This inspired the fleshy colour palette of the tree in the painting to mimic human veins, blood flow and shared life force. I have also always been a fan of highly detailed and embellished paintings that evoke a devotional tone to the subject matter. Demonstrating my reciprocity to the trees that provide endless artistic inspiration, wisdom and essential ecosystem services that support human life.

What are your next steps?

I am currently completing my Master of Design at the University of Auckland and growing my first baby that is due to be born in August 2022.

Thank you Paris, your work really expresses the wisdom that you describe!