Rugby heroes make a unique appearance at BONZ

22 September 2011

The rippling abs of a naked Richie McCaw, Graham Henry getting a tattoo and Jonah Lomu in full stride are features of a new collection of paintings by renowned Queenstown artist Thomas Brown.

New Zealand’s passion for rugby has reached the cultured walls and window displays of Queenstown contemporary art gallery BONZ, through the oil on canvas pieces collectively known as ‘A Game Played in Heaven’.

Some pieces are heavily influenced by other artists, including a Norman Rockwell-esque depiction of the All Blacks team coach being tattooed and there’s plenty of humour in the pastiche of other works.

The artist said the inspiration for the collection came from a deep love of the game.

“I’m delighted to share my passion of the game with visiting rugby fans in the heart of Queenstown,” said Mr Brown.

“BONZ is a wonderful gallery in a superb location with dedicated and friendly staff. It’s a great place to display these works and I do hope people enjoy them in the spirit intended.”

In keeping with the artist’s style, none of the paintings will be signed until they are sold.  At that point he will sign the works with ‘Thomas’ on the front side and full name and date on the back side.

The paintings are available at the BONZ Gallery located in The Mall Queenstown or can be viewed online at www.bonzgroup.co.nz.

Buy these paintings

Bonnie Rodwell
BONZ Group
Tel: 03 442 5398
Email: bonnie@bonz.com.au

Web: www.bonzgroup.co.nz

Or

Alexa Forbes
Southern PR
Tel: 03 441 1117

E: alexa@southernpr.co.nz

More about BONZ

Creating an experience especially for overseas visitors who seek the best of New Zealand design and production, BONZ in the main Queenstown Mall is a fabulous shopping destination.  Here you’ll find New Zealand’s finest hand-knits and leather jackets in a large, ground-floor boutique while upstairs, a contemporary gallery features stunning works from the country’s best art and artisan creations.

Our buyers are highly experienced in sourcing the very best made in New Zealand products and our staff can help with off-the-peg or custom made clothing, or the cultural stories and provenance behind exquisite artworks.

New Zealand is well known for its superb fine-fibre wool and soft, wonderfully produced leathers.  A take home hand-knit or jacket is a must as a useful and beautiful reminder of your visit.  Elegant scarves, gloves and jewellery complete the look or provide fabulous gifts for friends and family. 

Exploring the BONZ contemporary Art Gallery is to explore the works of New Zealand’s best artists and artisans across the disciplines of glass, ceramics, paintings, sculpture and home furnishings.  You’ll find an amazing range of Mashada paintings, elegant Peter Viesnik glass, fabulous Peter Shearer pottery and much, much more.

More about Thomas L. Brown

Thomas Brown was born in Montana USA in 1946. In 1969 Thomas received a Bachelor of Science Degree followed by a Master of Arts Degree in painting and drawing form the University of Montana in 1971. He then studied art as a copyist at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

From Paris to Switzerland, working as a ski instructor complemented his passion for painting the beauty of the Swiss Alps. During his travels Thomas held exhibitions in the USA, Cuzco Peru, Gstaad Switzerland and Queenstown New Zealand.

In 1982 Thomas became a permanent resident of New Zealand and in 1992 converted an historic 1912 cheese factory into a studio/gallery.

As a keen sports person Thomas participates on a regular basis, in golf, tennis, skiing and fishing. His love of sport is often reflected in his unique art works.

Many of Thomas Brown’s paintings are commissioned, including two works for the coronation of King George Teupou V of Tonga in 2008. His works are held international in private and corporate collections, including the Getty Family Collection in California.

Visualize your dreams on canvas with paintings by Thomas Brown, an artist with a sense of humour and a great love of art.