‘Art can be so scary for people,’ says painter Judy Millar, who lives and works in Tāmaki Makarau Auckland. ‘That’s partly art’s fault,’ she continues, ‘because art sets itself so high. And yet, as children, we all participate in art.’ 

Millar is known for her large-scale and abstract paintings. However, in this kōrero, she says, ‘In terms of abstract paintings, I really am pushing against it. I’m taking bits of it up and I’m rejecting a lot of it as well. I don’t want to be separated from our real-world experience.’ 

‘There may not be an instantly recognisable image or an instantly recognisable story,’ she continues, ‘but I want it to be very much located in that real-world experience.’ 

Instead of moving on quickly from art that might feel intimidating or scary at first, Millar invites us to take our time. ‘If you spend some time with it, I think you begin to recognise things.’ 

Watch the full video for more on what Millar is working on now, keeping our imaginations open, and how art can be dangerous.