Urban Solitude is a new series of paintings focusing on the theme of isolation in the city and as an artist.
The series was split into two parts for two major New Zealand cities - Christchurch & Wellington. A target location was chosen for each, and responded to with a series of studies, followed by 4 framed paintings.

Each part was then exhibited in its respective cities.

Series Description

Urban Solitude delves into the isolation experienced in the fast-paced, impersonal nature of bustling cities. Overcrowded urban environments can heighten feelings of loneliness and disconnection, where connections may be frequent but fleeting and surface-level. In contrast, the slower pace of rural life highlights the value of deeper, more personal relationships—both with others and with our surroundings. Research shows that time spent in green spaces can ease these feelings of disconnection, allowing the overwhelmed mind to slow down, breathe, and reflect.

Through depictions of overgrown cityscapes, I explore how nature reclaims and renews what’s been left behind. Bleak, monochromatic urban scenes give way to vibrant alternate realities. By highlighting neglected and hidden areas, I uncover their often-overlooked beauty—quiet corners passed by in the rush of daily life. These scenes reflect the calm serenity of solitude and the natural unhurried passage of time.

This series relates to the common struggles faced by many artists, who often grapple with their own cycles of solitude and self-doubt. Through the metaphor of the snail—representing the slow, spiralling nature of these struggles—the series reflects on the emotional landscape of feeling lost and alone. These works suggest that in the stillness of solitude, there is space for beauty to return in unexpected ways. Just as nature breathes life back into abandoned places, we too can find hope and transformation in our own quiet moments.