Dick Frizzell To Paint In Antarctica

Wednesday 18 August

Dick Frizzell To Paint In Antarctica

Dick Frizzell, one of New Zealand's most well known artists will visit Antarctica this season as Antarctica New Zealand’s Invitational Artist. Painting anything from portraits to abstracts to landscapes including depictions of everyday objects, Frizzell's paintings are filled with images that take on unusual, original and often witty interpretations of his subject matter.

Lou Sanson, CEO of Antarctica New Zealand said the Invitational Artist programme was an opportunity for prominent artists to capture the magic of Antarctica for all New Zealanders. “I am delighted that Dick Frizzell has accepted the invitation to examine a slice of New Zealand on ice. His work captures the essence of our culture with irreverence and humour. Whether it’s Beehive matches, Fanta, the 4 Square man, tikis or lawnmowers, he has a real talent for turning everyday images into rich cultural icons. As Scott Base is another recognisable New Zealand icon, it will be fascinating to see what his time in Antarctica produces.”

Dick Frizzell said he has long been intrigued by Antarctica. “I am really looking forward to letting my instincts loose. The signage, the hut exteriors… any clumping of base architecture in the snow... tractors in the whiteness ... I have a haunting image in my head of those massive Russian ice-breaker/cruise ships with their top heavy super structures looming out of the ice ... painting that would be a hell of a statement about how we put ourselves in these awesome environments.” said Frizzell.

Dick Frizzell has an exhibiting career that spans over twenty years. He has won many awards for his work, which is held in a number of major public and corporate collections. In 1997/98 the nationally toured retrospective exhibition Dick Frizzell – Portrait of a Serious Artiste traced his career. Previous Invitational Artists to Antarctica include Bill Manhire (New Zealand Poet Laureate), painters Austen Deans, Maurice Conly, Jonathan White and Grahame Sydney and photographer Craig Potton. Dick Frizzell will visit Antarctica in January 2005.

ENDS

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