This three-part series for the Jubilee of Hope honors the creativity of artists across Aotearoa, showcasing their work over the years. Their art expresses hope—not as a passing feeling, but as a powerful force woven into every brushstroke, lyric, and story. These works embody the richness of Aotearoa’s cultural and spiritual heritage, continuing to inspire and uplift.

Art has a profound ability to inspire, uplift, and unite. In Aotearoa, artists weave stories of hope through their work, reflecting the beauty, resilience, and depth of faith and culture. Whether through painting, sculpture, or design, their creations offer a powerful lens into the human spirit, inviting connection and contemplation.

Julia Lynch was a distinguished New Zealand portrait artist, whose work remains a testament to her deep emotional and spiritual insight. In 1924, she entered the Sisters of Mercy order in Wellington, adopting the name Sister Mary Lawrence. Her art is profoundly personal, reflecting her dedication to capturing the complexities of resilience, healing, and transformation. Lynch’s work is rich with themes of faith and endurance, often portraying the intersection of spiritual strength and human experience. In particular, her depictions of hope within the context of Māori Catholic perspectives offer a unique vision of spiritual perseverance, weaving together elements of cultural identity and faith. Her art resonates deeply, providing viewers with a powerful glimpse into the strength and healing that arise from community, love, and the transformative power of belief. 

Upcoming exhibition - Julia B. Lynch: A Dedicated Life 

Thursday, 19 June 2025 - Sunday, 14 September 2025 
New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata 
Shed 11, 60 Lady Elizabeth Lane, Wellington 

Michael Smither is known for his artwork that explores New Zealand's landscapes, spirituality, and the human experience. His religious art, including pieces commissioned for local Catholic parishes, invites contemplation and reverence. As he reflects in a Tui Motu interview, Smither’s early influences came from the Catholic imagery of his childhood in New Plymouth—statues, holy pictures, and the scenes of the Stations of the Cross. These images left a lasting mark on his memory, shaping his artistic vision. 

Smither’s artwork reflects the connection between faith and visual storytelling, with each brushstroke evoking a sense of hope and endurance. His work at St Josephs Parish in New Plymouth, such as the Stations of the Cross series, are particularly notable for their ability to convey the pain of the Passion, using a medium like cement fondue to emphasize the reality of Christ's suffering. His portrayal of hope often draws from the simplest, most intimate elements of life—a landscape, a fleeting moment of connection, or light breaking through darkness. 

Through his work, Smither shows that even in the most understated forms, hope and faith can be found. His connection to the Catholic tradition continues to shape his art, offering a bridge between personal reflection and universal themes of healing and transformation. 

Colin McCahon, renowned for his iconic and thought-provoking works, explored themes of spirituality and the beauty of nature. His art transcended traditional boundaries, using bold yet simple imagery to convey profound messages of light, hope, and redemption. 

Though McCahon had a complex relationship with religion, his work often engaged deeply with Christian themes. His connection with the Catholic Church is evident in works like the East Window of the Convent Chapel of Our Lady of the Missions, where his distinctive style merges faith and artistic expression.  

You can read a full reflection on this work here.  

The Studio of St. Philomena creates sacred artworks that beautifully capture the intersection of faith, culture, and tradition. The studio specialises in restoration, iconography, and liturgical art that bring faith to life. Its work has been featured in significant projects such as Te Ara A Maria: Mary’s Way offering visual narratives of love, peace, and the divine that inspire contemplation and spiritual renewal. Based on the belief that beauty has the power to uplift souls and evangelise, the Studio of St. Philomena is dedicated to crafting works that stir hearts, awaken faith, and draw communities closer to God.  

Find out more by listening to this interview: Catholicism, Art, and the Rededication. 

Jessica Bond’s Salt & Gold is a reflection of the beauty of nature, human experience, and faith. Through her unique designs, Bond brings forth art that inspires both personal reflection and collective connection. “The Footwashing Series” unexpectedly took the world by storm. The Series “is never about pushing an agenda, affirming choices or endorsing familiar faces or brands. It's not about who's sitting on the seat, having their feet washed, at all. It's not about who's on the seat, it's about Who's washing the feet.” You can check out the series here. 

The Salt & Gold website has a range of books and apparel that encourage people to embrace their worth and the hope within them.  

Photo by Shayna Douglas on Unsplash

Click here to read Part 2 & Part 3 in this series.