Dick Frizzell


Dick Frizzell (b. 1943) is one of New Zealand’s most loved artists. Having worked as an artist for over 30 years his imagery is now entrenched in the nation’s visual culture and his works are held in the country’s major public collections including Te Papa Tongarewa – Museum of New Zealand, Auckland Art Gallery – Toi o Tāmaki and Christchurch Art Gallery – Te Puna o Waiwhetu.

His work has always been characterised by a highly skilled handling of paint and an endlessly inventive range of subject matter and styles: faux-naive New Zealand landscapes, figurative still-lifes, comic book characters and witty parodies of modernist abstraction.  His taste is conveniently broad and he has a penchant for fondly remembered and well-worn clichés.  His work also portrays a sense of exuberance, ironic humour and baby-boomer nostalgia.

An anti-traditionalist, Frizzell often makes a deliberate effort to mix up the categories of high and low art – poking fun at the intellectualisation of 'high art' and the existential angst of much of New Zealand painting in the art culture of his youth. More about Dick Frizzell.

Although primarily a painter, Frizzell also produces an extensive range of works on paper including lithographs and screen-prints.

Dick Frizzell is represented by Gow Langsford Gallery in Auckland.

About Rugby World Cup 2011 Editions project


When first asked to contribute to the graphics for Rugby World Cup 2011, artist Dick Frizzell admits that although enthusiastic about the project, the idea of locating the event culturally and geographically in visual terms was somewhat overwhelming. But encouraged by his wife Jude, Dick took to the studio and in true Frizzellean style came up with seven dynamic works that capture New Zealand’s unique culture and Rugby’s place within it.

Over the past twenty years Dick Frizzell’s paintings and imagery have emerged as iconic in New Zealand art history and one of the joys of his art is its dramatic diversions between genres and styles. At a glance his choice of imagery for Rugby World Cup 2011 campaign appears eclectic but each image is deeply rooted in different moments of his artistic career and as a group embodies key aspects of New Zealand culture and identity.

Gow Langsford Gallery


Gow Langsford Gallery is one of New Zealand's most influential dealer galleries and represents the best contemporary artists from New Zealand and abroad. The Gallery was set up by Directors Gary Langsford and John Gow in 1987.

Based in downtown Auckland, the gallery consistently strives to provide a forum through which its artists may be exposed to local, national and international audiences. This includes a regular and varied exhibition schedule as well as frequent participation at major international art events.

Visit our website for more information, including visiting hours and contact details.

Contact


Contact editions@gowlangsfordgallery.co.nz for more information.