Ishi Neve
Painter (Manly, NSW)

Originally from New Zealand, the land of independent thinkers, Ishi moved to Australia with his family in 1989. His memories of his birthplace include a prehistoric Jurassic Park-like rain forest in his backyard.

Ishi missed New Zealand desperately and it was a difficult transition for his family as they started a new life in Manly. Although as a kid there was lots of bushwalking, drawing, skating and plenty to do. This challenging time made a lasting impact on the naïve five year old which is evident in the essence of his paintings.

Today Ishi finds inspiration from Victorian English architecture, Picasso, Gauguin and has a fascination with the way that people with psychological disorders view the world.

Of himself, Ishi says, “I paint because there’s too much in my head, it keeps the insanity at bay.”   

On the surface his paintings are intense, fun and hectic, but they come from a place of confusion and uncertainty. There’s an underlying sense of fear that reflects Ishi’s desire to disengage from the world around him, yet at the same time change it for the better.

Ishi is currently doing artworks for Hayden shapes surfboards which has broadened his horizons when it comes to the way he does his art.

Ishi’s first show will be at the Barking Frog in Manly. It’s sponsored by Hayden Shapes surfboards, Tiger beer and Favourite Things.

For information on how to purchase / commission Ishi, please contact him below. Gallery enquiries welcome.

Contact Ishi Neve