Marc Blake is a New Zealand painter based in Central Otago. Born and raised in Auckland, he spent five formative years in Japan following university and a further three in Sydney before returning to New Zealand. His close family ties to Korea and regular visits there have also established an ongoing cultural connection that continues to inform his life and work.

Known for atmospheric paintings that combine a range of materials and methods, Blake’s recent works continue to bring together drawing, photography and painting, with richly textured, heavily worked grounds. As the viewer’s proximity changes, the paintings shift between cohesive images and the complex details of their construction. Emerging from everyday encounters and photographs, the works are transformed through drawing and painting into something new and independent of their origins.

Blake has exhibited widely since 2005 and has been a finalist in numerous national art awards, winning the Craigs Art Award in 2023. His work is held in collections throughout New Zealand and internationally, including 16 works in The Arts House Trust collection.