n e w z e a l a n d
Although there were many photographs taken during
Shackleton’s Trans-Antarctic Expedition there are many aspects of this epic voyage that have no visual record.
Artist Sean Garwood has spent many years compiling images of all the old photos as well as carefully reading notes made by Shackleton himself at the time.
After his own research, Sean also consulted other knowledgeable people before constructing his compositions.
This in-depth study, combined with Sean’s own considerable knowledge of the Southern Ocean have resulted in the amazing works featured in this series of original oil paintings.
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A four year project to depict one of the greatest adventures in human history
Sean Garwood embarked on this project in 2021, after his very successful exhibition;
‘A Painted Voyage’ was held in Auckland, with the aim of completing his collection of paintings depicting Shackleton’s incredible Antarctic expedition ready for exhibition by late 2025. Sean’s goal is to produce a complete visual record of Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914-1917 which should help to enhance our understanding of what Shackleton and his men endured during this venture.
To accomplish this has involved a huge amount of research, to firstly gather all known photographs of the ship ‘Endurance’, Shackleton and his crew, as well as the photos taken during the expedition. Then reading all the notes made by Shackleton himself and all other written accounts of the expedition. Sean then began working out the subjects he needed to cover in his paintings to be able to visually tell the whole story.
Extensive notes were made for each potential painting, from which the composition for each subject was formulated. People known to be knowledgeable on the various aspects of the expedition were contacted by Sean to go over details of each specific subject to make sure he had everything correct. They have all given their expertise and time willingly, which has been invaluable. In these paintings it’s not just the form of the vessels and buildings that need to be right, it is also the time of year and day, the weather and tide. All of these elements determine the direction and angle that the light is coming from in relation to the wind direction and strength.
Sean’s own experience of many years working in the Southern Ocean observing the sea in varied
conditions enable him to replicate the sea in any given situation in a way that few other maritime artists can.
This unique ability means the true drama of the adventure is brought to life on the canvas.