Renowned New Zealand artist Ewan McDougall is making his comeback to the exhibition circuit with his latest show "Blast Off" at Timaru's York Street Gallery of Fine Art, marking his return to the art world after a serious injury forced him to temporarily halt his prolific painting career. The exhibition, which opened on Friday and runs through December 4, features recent works from 2023 and 2024, representing the artist's creative output before his injury sidelined him.
McDougall's artistic journey took an unexpected turn in December of last year when he suffered a rotator cuff injury while unpacking a large box of his artwork in his storage space. The irony was not lost on the Otago-based artist that it was his own art that caused the injury that would keep him from creating new pieces. "I haven't been able to paint since December, and that is the first time ever for me, not being able to work," McDougall explained, emphasizing the significant impact the injury has had on his life and career.
For McDougall, painting is far more than just a profession or hobby—it's an integral part of his identity. "It's [painting is] pretty much just part of me," he reflected, highlighting how deeply connected he is to his artistic practice. This forced hiatus from painting has been particularly challenging for an artist known for his productivity and dedication to his craft.
Eager to reconnect with the art world and exhibition scene, McDougall reached out to Debbie Templeton-Page, the owner of Timaru's York Street Gallery of Fine Art, about organizing an exhibition. The collaboration resulted in the "Blast Off" show, a title that McDougall feels is particularly fitting for his return to the gallery circuit. "The work in this is from 2024, 2023—recent work from the past couple of years," he noted, describing the collection that spans his creative output before the injury.
The artist expressed genuine excitement about seeing his work displayed again, sharing that the experience makes him feel like he's "doing it [art] again." His relationship with the gallery and its owner adds a personal dimension to the exhibition, as McDougall noted, "Debbie is a friend of ours and it's always a pleasure to show my work at York St." This familiarity and comfort with the venue has made his return to exhibiting all the more meaningful.
Despite his ongoing recovery, McDougall has been making gradual attempts to return to his artistic practice. Currently limited by his injury, he can only work in short bursts of up to 20 minutes at a time, a significant change from his previous ability to work for extended periods. This adaptation demonstrates his determination to continue creating art despite physical limitations.
Looking toward the future, McDougall has planned his recovery around his artistic commitments. He is scheduled to undergo surgery next year, which he hopes will restore his full range of motion and ability to paint. Already looking ahead, he has secured a show scheduled for Auckland in October, indicating his confidence in his recovery and his commitment to continuing his exhibition career.
McDougall's artistic journey began in Wellington, where he was born, before moving to Ōamaru for his education. He attended Waitaki Boys High School, where he was taught by Colin Wheeler, an experience that helped shape his artistic development. His educational background extends beyond art, having earned an honors degree in political science from Otago University, demonstrating the breadth of his intellectual pursuits.
Throughout his career, McDougall has established himself as an Expressionist painter with an international reach. His work has been exhibited around the world, building a reputation that extends far beyond New Zealand's borders. This global recognition underscores the significance of his temporary absence from the art scene and makes his current return all the more noteworthy for both local and international art enthusiasts.
