Wet Woman and Other Myths

Wet Woman and Other Myths brings together a selection of Bill Hammond works, done in Bill's iconic style, and reflective of different periods of his practice. Wet Woman Sub Antarctic Plate and Gin Bottle (pictured above) from 1991 is an example of Bill's work that crosses over between styles and influences, it draws on Bill’s time in Japan and on Auckland Islands. A fusion of these two experiences and the start of the sub Antarctic impact. This work is crackling with energy and loose gritty mark making. 

The exhibition also includes later works such as, Wainui, an iconic Hammond work painted in 2016. Wainui, Banks Peninsula was a place of significance for Bill and his family as he had a holiday home here. Bill had an easel and would work while holidaying in Wainui. This work has a beautiful palette of turquoise blue and emerald green, a moon hangs high in the sky and birds are suspended, elegantly floating across the picture plane. The work has a tranquil meditative quality. This is the first time Wainui will be exhibited publicly. 

Alongside Bill's individual works we also have works from Bill's collaboration with Gavin Chilcott. Bill and Gavin’s friendship came from their shared dealer in Auckland; Gregory Flint. In 1991 Gavin was the Artist in Residence at the Christchurch Arts Centre and this was when these collaborative works were done. A meeting of two of New Zealand's most influential contemporary artists.