Artist Name: Andrew Bond
Christchurch based artist Andrew Bond is one of those rare breeds of artist for whom detail, narrative and technical skill all matter. In 1999, Andrew and his family moved from Auckland to the South Island and this move provided him with an enviroment that is rich in natural beauty and intellectual stimulation. Andrew's paintings can be described as South Pacific surrealism. They provoke in the viewer a dreamy sense of times past as well as a signpost to things to come. He uses bright, well-defined oil colours that are enduring and contrast well. In the last three years, Andrew has also been exploring the idea of the impact of humans on the environment. He has used native birds both extinct and alive to look into this contentious area. "Hiki Brand" is an excellent example of this, based on the Stitchbird, a native bird that is not found in large numbers but has managed to survive in isolated pockets of forest where predator numbers are low. The creature is one of many that walk the razor edge of existence and depend on a balanced equilibrium to survive. Andrew's vision is not to show what goes on around us but rather to hint at the stories that New Zealand can tell us through its physical presence and our emotional response to a place or an event. Being a self-taught artist, he has created a uniquely individual style that is rooted in traditional technique with a South Pacific flavour.
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