Judith Cordeaux is a New Zealand artist. Currently working in acrylics and mixed media, her vibrant paintings continue to confront, explore and interpret human emotions and interactions.

Cordeaux has exhibited in New Zealand since 1982, with works shown in solo and group exhibitions in public galleries and other venues. A number of her paintings have been accepted for major art award exhibitions, with works sold to private and public collections throughout New Zealand.

Although born in Australia, Cordeaux regards New Zealand as home, having moved in 1962 to Christchurch. There, she studied at the School of Fine Arts, University of Canterbury. Since 2014 she has lived in Timaru, South Canterbury.

Judith Cordeaux
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Artist Judith Cordeaux’s response to the Christchurch earthquakes and the new life she has found in Timaru, New Zealand.

Unexpected World, a solo exhibition of 32 works at the Aigantighe Art Gallery,

She explains: 'There are many forces that humans do not, and probably never will, control – hurricanes, landslides, floods, earthquakes. As well as nurturing and supporting us, the earth unleashes forces that destroy and cause chaos. It seems we are never fully prepared for the impact.

Somehow we have to pick ourselves up and start again, sometimes in a radically changed environment. It is seven years this September (2017) since the first of the devastating Christchurch and Canterbury earthquakes struck.

They literally turned my world upside down, and in the following months they destroyed much of what I loved, including my home. Hence the title of the exhibition - "Unexpected World". 'These paintings and drawings depict my initial reactions, and then the aftermath which has had such an unexpected, but really positive, outcome.

Though I know that for many others the struggle with insurers and builders continues, I’ve been able to build a new life. So my new works don’t just talk about the destruction and difficulties.

They also show the unconditional love and kindness given by friends, neighbours and strangers as we all continue to deal with this life-changing situation.'

Unexpected World exhibition – Concert (excerpts), 8 October 2017

Floortalk by Judith Cordeaux discussing her thoughts and development as an artist, given during her exhibition "Unexpected World" at the Aigantighe Art Gallery, Timaru, 17 September 2017.