Paula Coulthard's Large Tarpaulin Whale W#14 aesthetic references New Zealand’s rich maritime history. The rugged beauty of the aged industrial tarpaulin is enhanced with carefully curated, but seemingly random, colourful patches in homage to the tradition of repair.

This banner is painted on an old canvas tarpaulin using acrylic house paint. Brass washers inspired by the original tarpaulin are strategically placed for hanging.
W#14 features a humpback whale and the stars are in the Matariki star cluster arrangement, symbolising the timing of the winter humpback whale migration north past the east coast of the South Island and through Cook Strait between June and August.

1680mm x 930mm

Paula Coulthard's mixed media works explore the intersection of culture, history, and landscape. Blending fabric and paint, she draws inspiration from Aotearoa’s environment and bicultural heritage. Her tactile, evocative pieces reflect a deep engagement with identity, memory, and the evolving New Zealand narrative.