Janet de Wagt is an award-winning New Zealand-born artist based in Dunedin, whose career has taken her to live, paint and exhibit across the globe. Her work reflects the rugged landscapes at the southern edge of the world. Painting on site in all conditions – rain, hail or shine – she captures the shifting moods and atmospheres of the southernmost depths of New Zealand.
“I stand in the place to paint the land, the fauna and flora, the sea and the sky where others before me have settled, lived their lives and left their stories,” she says.
For more than two decades, Janet has painted throughout Murihiku/Southland and along its coastline, where the moving sea, dancing light and fast-changing weather continue to inspire her. To capture fleeting moments, she has developed a resourceful approach – tying canvases to her truck, using an ironing board as an easel, pulling her cowgirl hat low against the wind and working at speed before rewarding herself with a coffee.
Her reputation in the south as an artist deeply engaged in conservation has taken her to Rakiura/Stewart Island, Dusky Sound/Tamatea, Milford Sound and Rekohu/the Chatham Islands. Each journey has resulted in a body of work reflecting her experiences in these wild, special places. Alongside her personal practice, Janet has worked extensively with communities, encouraging and facilitating their creative responses to the landscapes they inhabit. janetdewagt.com
Janet de Wagt will travel aboard PONANT EXPLORATIONS’ Le Soléal as part of the “Arts Aboard” residency in partnership with the Southland Art Foundation, exploring the Subantarctic Islands of Aotearoa/New Zealand.
PONANT EXPLORATIONS sails from Dunedin to New Zealand’s remote Subantarctic islands, including the Snares, Ulva, Auckland, and Campbell. Guests encounter rare wildlife like crested penguins, sea lions, albatrosses, and unique mega herbs. This expedition offers an immersive journey through World Heritage-listed wilderness, guided by expert naturalists.
On board, Janet is expected to offer a vibrant program of artistic engagement. Guests may encounter her painting around the ship, where she welcomes questions, conversation and observation. She will provide art materials for those who wish to try painting themselves and if interest arises, she is able to facilitate hands-on workshops focused on en plein air painting. In addition, Janet can present an illustrated talk on her life and career as an artist, sharing insights into her creative process and her deep connection to the southern landscape.
Guests can look forward to a warm Kiwi welcome and the chance to see the Subantarctic Islands through the eyes of an artist who has dedicated her practice to capturing the fleeting beauty of the natural world.
Dunedin – Dunedin – Departing 12 January 2026
14 nights aboard Le Soléal
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