Artwork Information

These six botanical studies on paper likely portray Olearia allomii, commonly known as the Great Barrier tree daisy. Endemic to the island, this shrub features broad leathery leaves and large flower clusters. Allen created these loose sketches during his time on Great Barrier Island before his move back to Auckland.

While the representational nature of the drawings on paper seems unusually conventional for Allen in his late period, they reflect his traditional art training and convey a period of calm observation of the natural environment, and appreciation for his locale on Great Barrier Island. Great Barrier was an important place for Allen: he had sailed there on his honeymoon and the family spent many summers at their island bach. In 1993, the house burned down in an accident, and was finally rebuilt by 1997.