Dick Frizzell
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Born in Auckland in 1943, Richard (Dick) Frizzell studied at Canterbury University's Ilam School of Fine Arts graduating with a Diploma in Fine Art in 1964. Following his studies, Frizzell pursued a successful career as graphic artist in the advertising industry, gradually assimilating elements of pop culture into anartistic realm until in 1976 he held his first solo exhibition at the Barry Lett Gallery in Auckland.
Frizzell's technical ability is widely recognised, but it is hisattitude towards his subjects for which he is most renowned.Frizzell's work is witty and more often than not self-reflexive - Frizzell turns his eye inwards to paint about painting itself: its history, its preoccupations and its intended effect on itsaudience. His is a cheeky and often irreverent dissection of everything from landscape to abstract to the intrusion of popculture into the realm of 'high art', achieved through the masterful combination of a disarming and disingenuous ability with a tongue-in-cheek approach to his game.
Frizzell taught painting part-time at Auckland University's ElamSchool of Art from 1982-96. He has been the recipient of countless New Zealand art awards including the Wanganui Art Award and QEII Arts Council Travel Grants in both 1978 and 1987 for international work and study. The subject of numerous solo exhibitions, Frizzell has also completed large scale and often intriguing commissions fornotable clients including the former Mayoress of Auckland City,Dame Catherine Tizard. As a result of his distinguished career, Frizzell's work is represented in the collections of most majorpublic galleries in New Zealand. He continues to live and work in Auckland.