The five southernmost island groups of Aotearoa New Zealand are known collectively as the Subantarctic Islands. The Antipodes, Auckland, Bounty, Campbell and Snares island groups are designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, acknowledging them as one of Earth’s environments least modified by human presence, as well as the many flora and fauna unique to these islands.

In the summer of 2021 Tasman-based printmaker Kathy Reilly travelled to the islands on a research expedition, and for thirteen days trained her artist’s eye on these dramatic, isolated environs scattered south-east of the mainland in the vast Southern Ocean. The outcome of this voyage can be seen here in works ranging from detailed etchings and cyanotypes of endemic plant species; installations pushing the print medium through sculptural form; and studies of the Toroa Royal Southern Albatross in prints and a video work. Together, they capture the significance of a singular ecosystem – inestimable and fragile.

Main image: Kathy Reilly, Wayfinding, 2024, hybrid printmaking

Left image: Kathy Reilly, Southern Ocean swell, 2023, monoprint