Detailed Description
Two poised Pīwakawaka (Fantails) are perched upon a Kōwhai branch in the foreground of the artwork. Green foliage of New Zealand’s native Nīkau Palm and Pōhutukawa frame the background, while the pastel, dusty blue sky breaks through the verdure, creating a sense of lightness.
The composition of this artwork is representative of Kirsty’s tenacious muse to capture New Zealand’s landscape in its various guises: “My imagery is based a lot on viewing through native plant life onto a scene, almost as if we pulled back the leaves and we’re just within reach of our unique coastline or dramatic rolling hills.” - Kirsty Nixon
Fantails are known for their distinctive fanned tail, loud birdsong, and brave nature. Though small, they are one of the most common and widely distributed native birds on the New Zealand mainland.
In Māori mythology, the Pīwakawaka is seen as a messenger of death or transition—a sign that change may be near. While honouring this traditional view, Kirsty chooses to interpret the bird as a heavenly visitor: a gentle, comforting presence that brings connection, peace, and a sense of the unseen.
“For me,” she shares, “the birds began to feature in my work after I lost my wonderful dad. Their songs seemed louder—like they were trying to speak. I even bought a little Pīwakawaka charm for my bracelet and would run its feathers through my fingers when I thought of him. When I lost my beautiful mum, the birds felt even more present. I don't know if it’s a connection, exactly—but I often find myself saying ‘Hi Dad’ when a fantail flits close by. They give me peace. They’re company.”
Through this lens, Kirsty’s paintings become more than landscapes—they're quiet conversations, layered with memory and meaning.
Kirsty Nixon has created the limited edition Giclée print Fantail No.2 to be beautifully paired with the limited edition Giclée print Fantail No.1 as a complete artwork series.
Fantail No.2 is a distinguished piece within Kirsty Nixon’s acclaimed Flora & Fauna collection, capturing the delicate vitality of New Zealand’s native birdlife. This limited edition print embodies the harmonious connection between nature and emotion, offering an elegant tribute to the country’s unique natural beauty.
Giclée Print: A digital printing process using an ink-jet printer to produce high-quality art prints.
Limited Edition Prints: Replica prints of an original artwork, reproduced in limited quantities.
Care Instructions
Your artwork purchase is an investment. Taking care of your fine art Kirsty Nixon print will ensure the artwork's longevity, value, and enjoyment.
Giclée derives from the French term ‘gicler’—to spray. The term describes the printing process whereby high-quality, fade-resistant, pigment-based inks are sprayed onto archival, cotton-based, acid-free paper. The results achieve an outstanding archival lifespan of up to 200 years. The high quality and long lifespan of Giclée Prints ensure the appreciation of the artwork's value.
The following care instructions are the preliminary guidelines for taking care of your limited edition, fine art Giclée Print. Please read the following carefully.
Handling
Please do not place your limited edition print directly face down onto any surface or object to avoid damaging the printed image. This also applies when resting or storing your artwork. At all times, please avoid placing objects on top of your artwork. Keep handling to a minimum and always hold your Giclée Print from the corners or sides—if possible, wear cotton gloves or make sure your hands are freshly washed.
Sunlight Exposure
It is recommended that you do not hang your limited edition Giclée Print in direct sunlight. If you are intending to hang your artwork in a space with moments of exposed sunlight, please consider framing your Kirsty Nixon print with UV protection conservation glass.
Environment
Keep your limited edition print within a relatively controlled environment. Repeated exposure to extreme and/or sudden changes in humidity or temperature can have adverse effects on the longevity of your artwork's surface and substrate materials.
It is suggested that you hang your artwork in a low-traffic area due to the risk of physical damage by passers-by. Hang your limited edition Kirsty Nixon print at an elevation that keeps it out of reach of young children.
Cleaning
Do not clean your Giclée Print with water, damp cloths, or solvents. Use a soft, clean, and dry lint-free cloth to gently wipe away dust or dirt. Ensure that the lint-free cloth is white or light in colour, as darkly coloured cloths increase the risk of staining your artwork.
Shipping and Storage
Place a layer of acid-free tissue paper on either side of your Giclée Print, gently roll your print, and place it within a plastic sleeve, then slide it into a storage tube. Please roll your limited edition print tight enough so that it does not sag when stored horizontally for an extended period of time.
The environment for storing your artwork should be controlled, with low levels of exposure to humidity and fluctuating temperatures. If you're intending to store your Giclée Print for an extended period, please store the artwork standing up.
Do not cover the artwork in plastic, as there is a risk of potential mould growth. Instead, place the rolled print within a cotton sleeve, then gently slide it into a storage tube.
Visual Mockup Disclaimer
Please note that the framing and in situ images are intended solely as visual inspiration, offering a contextual representation of the artwork within a styled environment and frame.
These mockups are not to scale and do not reflect the exact proportions of the artwork. For accurate sizing, kindly refer to the Artwork Dimensions provided above.
