National Treasure - Giclée Prints

National Treasure - Giclée Prints | Cathryn Ryan

Welcome to a world where New Zealand’s native trees and birds take centre stage in my art. My work explores themes of strength and resilience, capturing the essence of who we are as New Zealanders.

Eggs often appear in my pieces, symbolising birth, life, potential, and fragility. Floating in mid-air, free from distractions, they become time capsule that connect us to nature.

In addition to the egg, I incorporate recognisable landmarks and items, such as paua and the iconic enamel mug, to create a narrative that resonates with our shared experiences. These elements serve as metaphors, adding layers of meaning and inviting viewers to engage with the stories woven into each piece.

While my art celebrates New Zealand's stunning landscape, some works are influenced by Māori heritage, particularly my connection to  Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi of Ngāti Pamoana.

This influence deepens the portrayal of our environment, offering another perspective on its beauty and significance. National Treasure is a painting that honours my Māori ancestry and Iwi, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi of the Whanganui River. The sacred Pounamu, a symbol of strength, ancestry, and identity, acknowledges the guardianship of three ancestors—Hinengākau, Tamaūpoko, and Tūpoho—siblings revered as protectors of the Whanganui River. The plaited rope symbolizes the strong ties between the people of the river, while the tui, as a messenger from the gods, represents the search for peace and harmony.

Maori proverbe -

“E rere kau mai te Āwanui,
Mai i te Kāhui maunga ki Tangaroa
Kō au te Āwa, kō te Āwa kō au.”
“The great river flows
From the mountains to the sea.
I am the river, the river is me.”"

Limited Edition:  Edition of 50, individually signed and numbered.

Paper: Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308gsm.

Unframed Dimensions:
Width - 400mm x Height - 505mm

Framed Dimensions:
Width - 520mm x Height - 625mm

Framing:
Please select from UNFRAMED or FRAMED*.

*There will be an additional 10 days of delivery for framed prints. 
Choose from unframed or framed in a black or white overmatted box frame.

Please Note - 
The 'in situ mockup' is merely an example of visual representation within an environment and it does not truly reflect the size of the print. Please refer to the measurements above for the exact dimensions of this work.