Exhibit showcases ancient technique

Mangawhai Artists Gallery is excited to present an exhibition of Roland Seibertz’s large light-filled canvases painted in egg tempera technique.

As a young man in West Germany, Roland started a degree in architecture but very soon became absorbed in archaeological restoration. Visiting New Zealand in 1976, he returned to Germany to study cabinet making. After completing his apprenticeship, he moved permanently to New Zealand in 1981. At that time he was painting with water colours, progressing to larger scale acrylic on canvas or egg tempera paintings on canvas.

Later he started work as a custom furniture maker and made items for some significant buildings in Wellington, the new Waikato Arts Museum and buildings in Auckland.

Roland continued to paint, and over the last five years has returned to painting large scale works.

Tempera is a tradition that dates back to Ancient Greece and Rome. Egg tempera emerged as the primary medium in frescoes and illuminated manuscripts during the 12th century in Europe. The technique reached its prime during the Italian Renaissance in which some of the most iconic egg tempera paintings were made, such as The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.

“My paintings are perhaps ideas rather than painted actualities, landscapes of light that give an idea of a place or an effect, an abstract mirror,” says Roland. “Human beings, my family and friends inspire me. The colours of nature inspire me. Love of nature inspires me. I interpret nature with entire simplicity.”

Roland will be painting at the gallery. Visitors are welcome to drop in and chat with him. He will be exhibiting his large canvases from October 8–21 at Mangawhai Artists Gallery, welcoming everyone at the opening at 6pm on October 8 and during the fortnight he is exhibiting.

Roland Seibertz uses an ancient painting technique, and is heavily inspired by nature. An example of his work is in the background. PHOTO/SUPPLIED