In Shielded Histories, Robert Ellis boldly combines the personal and the particular with the collective and symbolic. Seemingly culture-specific symbols and forms are manipulated into hybrid images representing pluralistic and universal themes. These are collected together and reinforced within Ellis’ robust shields.

The paintings show various aspects of the themes and symbols that have occupied Ellis during many years as a painter. Containing a seemingly eclectic collection of individual parts, as a whole the shields herald a group identity. In these works, Ellis references both his personal identity and that of Aotearoa/New Zealand.

The Shielded Histories paintings are informed by Ellis’ long-term involvement with Maori culture and society. He integrates and manipulates Maori symbols, juxtaposing them to create an autobiographical story. The relationships he fosters between these elements acknowledge similarities between Maori designs and forms and those of European culture. Ellis’ shields, several of them exuberantly large, emphatically acknowledge and welcome a multicultural world. His paintings encourage enquiry, personal responsibility and expansive thought.

Stories emerge from Ellis’ paintings through familiar symbols. The prancing Lion and Imperial Crown suggest imperialism and colonisation. The seven stars (the Pleiades, Seven Sisters or Matariki) introduce notions of journeys, navigation and the New Year regeneration of life. The cleft heart, chalice and cross evoke thoughts of love and hope, while elsewhere portions of flags represent valour and endeavour. Each emblem is part of Ellis’ artistic take on the history of New Zealand. He acknowledges that many histories create the ‘truth’ of a nation and its people, a truth that will be remembered differently over time by both individuals and collective communities.

The manner with which Ellis brings together disparate symbols and creates new entities reflects his long-standing thematic explorations of community and belonging. His shields encourage us to examine our own histories and to question entrenched assumptions regarding land ownership. Ellis makes a profound statement by leaving the ribbon beneath each shield unwritten. He implies that ownership is not yet taken, and that we may apply ourselves to the shield, claiming it as our own crest. Ellis has established a framework for a philosophical dialogue – he provides us with questions to answer and answers to question.