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Merthyr is a  multi-disciplinary artist working in Matakana - one hour north of Auckland , New Zealand.

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Her painting practice is informed by the fine art disciplines which formed part of the three year design degree she did at Wellington Polytechnic in the 70's.  There she studied life drawing, typography, print making, print techniques, copy writing, photography, and sculpture. 

 

The "River series" -  (one of which was shortlisted and sold at the 2022 National Contemporary art prize) is a series of works referencing New Zealand rivers.  These paintings bring focus to the current sorry state of these bodies of water which over stocking and irrigation have left polluted and running at a fraction of their former glory.

 

In June 2023 Merthyr attended a daily life drawing course in Paris, working alongside a group of practicing French artists.

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She says, "Drawing every day changes the way you see the subject and gives you freedom to experiment with technique and materials.

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My drawings improved and I was able to just sit down and draw which is what comes with constant practice.  “Seeing” became easier and resulted in better constructed body rendering and allowed for more freedom to interpret which was what I was after.

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Drawing from life gives a better sense of the heft of the body of the model in a way that drawing from a photograph does not.  The models were dancers, mime artists and actors and their bodies were strong and lyrical. You can see these drawings on the website.

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Including figures in my work seemed to be a natural development when I got back from Paris as it brings the human condition into my work which I am happy about.

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While in Paris I found a supplier of original vintage art posters and brought a small curated collection of these back with me. Have a look in the 'shop' to find them and email me if you would like to purchase".

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AWARDS

2018  Shortlisted for the Parkin Drawing Prize 

2019  Shortlisted for the Parkin Drawing Prize 

2020  Shortlisted for the Parkin Drawing Prize

2020 Shortlisted for the NZPPA award

2022  Shortlisted for the National Contemporary art award

 

EXHIBITION HISTORY

2023  INDEX - Group show at 138 Gallery, Birkenhead, Auckland.

2019  Members' summer show Northart 

2018  Group show Browne School of art -

2018  Members' summer show  Northart

2017  Group show - Railway Street Studios Gallery , Auckland 

2017  Group show - Galerie Demarez, Giverny, France

2015  Solo exhibition Railway Street Studios Gallery, Auckland

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