“My whole thesis was based on the art of architecture, and the threshold between the two, and using architectural drawing as a way of telling a story or conveying meaning or creating allegory.”
One of Wilkey’s works, Prevailing, which features in the exhibition. Photo / Supplied
He worked as an architect for a year after university before taking a design job for Vesica in Hawke’s Bay, working on large-scale art installations. He is the current creative director of Vesica.
Wilkey paints mainly at night, after his fulltime job and helping his partner put their two young children to bed.
A family tragedy a few years ago has been part of his focus on landscapes, despite a background in architecture.
“In 2022, I lost my dad to suicide.
“That really spurred me in this direction, and really is sort of the basis of what I do, trying to understand his passing but also the sense of presence and absence that is embedded in the landscape through memory,” he said.
“There is this desire to observe that presence in the landscape that is unseen and beyond the senses.”
One of Wilkey’s works, Home Ground, which features in the exhibition. Photo / Supplied
He said he loved Hawke’s Bay’s incredible landscapes, which often featured in his work.
“I’m fascinated by the colours, the way the light falls and the stories that are embedded in the landscape,” he said.
“I get inspired by it every time I drive around.”
Wilkey is a self-professed “football nut”, having lived in the UK until he was 9, when his family moved to Hawke’s Bay.
His art often includes sporting elements.
“Sports are kind of these spaces or environments where we set and agree upon rules, and the game takes place.”
He said that can be a reflection on how life plays out.
Wilkey said it had been an honour to exhibit his first solo show.
The exhibition opened last week and people can view his work until October 3 at Muse Art Gallery, or visit the gallery’s website.
The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm. Sold paintings will remain on display until after the exhibition.
Wilkey said he aimed to “stir up emotions in people” and create art that people can relate to, which touched them at a deeper level.
As for juggling fulltime work, a young family and art, he said his partner was simply amazing and hugely supportive.