The Times Interview - Peter Stichbury, Explain Yourself to Cameron Broadhurst

Thursday, 31 July 2008

• Howick and Pakuranga Times

MODERN OBSERVER: Peter Stichbury's <i>Swoon</i> is among a collection of his portraits, <i>The Alumni</i>, showing at Te Tuhi Arts Centre until September 21. Photo supplied.

MODERN OBSERVER: Peter Stichbury's Swoon is among a collection of his portraits, The Alumni, showing at Te Tuhi Arts Centre until September 21. Photo supplied.

PETER Stichbury is one of New Zealand’s most unique portrait artists. Living and working in Auckland he has developed a reputation over the past decade for works inspired by social types from a variety of media sources. Much of his work echoes the smooth and glossy feel of magazines but with unsettling undertones more in line with underground comics and a clear element of social satire or critique. Yet he sees his work within the traditions of art history and portraiture.

How did you come to portraiture and why?
It seems most of your subjects are people you do not know, from society or media. How do you choose them?

The Alumni

Collected portraits by Peter Stichbury, exhibits at Pakuranga’s Te Tuhi Arts Centre until September 21.

Your acrylics don’t show visible brushstrokes. Why do you prefer this style?Many of the portraits have expressionless faces. Others such as Swoon or Lothario hold enigmatic expressions. When do you use expression?What artistic influences have you had?How has your work evolved over the past eight years?