From Wellington and now living in the Wairarapa, Iwen Yong has been influenced by the art of Peter MacIntyre, Douglas Badcock and John Crump, who mentored Iwen as he learned the techniques of landscapes and plein air painting. Since becoming a full time artist in 2021 Iwen has gained a large following and has won numerous awards, including being selected as a finalist in the major international Boldbrush Awards.
'I paint a variety of subjects but I specialise predominately in landscapes. I would describe my painting style as 'painterly realism'. I try to be expressive and bold with my brushwork to create a sense of movement in my paintings. I regularly exhibit in galleries in Wellington, Dunedin and Queenstown'
AWARDS and ACHIEVEMENTS
- Finalist in the BoldBrush International Art competition July 2026
- Finalist in the NZ Painting & Printmaking awards 2024 & 2026
- Selected for the NZ Contemporary Art Calendar 2025, 2026 & 2027
- Selected for the Boldbrush International Art Competition Favourite 15% Jul 23, Nov 23, Jul 24, Jun 25, Aug 25, Oct 25, Dec 25, Jun 26
- Selected for the NZ Academy pf Fine Arts Lake Taupo Hilton showcase exhibition July 2025
- Finalist for the Tasman National Art Awards 2024 & 2025
- Finalist for the Cleveland National Arts awards 2025
- Finalist for the Craig’s Aspiring Art Prize exhibition Wanaka 2023, 2024 & 2025
- Merit award at the NZ Academy of Fine Arts Waterworld exhibition Jan 2025
- Curator’s award at the NZ Academy of Fine Arts Fantastic Beast exhibition Nov 2023
- Merit award at the NZ Academy of Fine Arts Open celebration exhibition Oct 2023
- People’s choice award - Muriel Hopper Hutt Art Award Exhibition July 2023
- Premiere Award Oil/acrylic category - Fielding Art Society Members Award Exhibition May 2023
