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Artist
Watkins, Denys
Date
1986
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Object Detail
Description
Denys Watkins (b. 1945) is a lively and inventive printmaker and painter. He has been a practicing artist for nearly 50 years and has work in several public and private collections throughout Australasia.
In his early work Watkins’used borrowed images reminiscent of other artists, the result of a conscious, if capricious, act of selection where the element of recognition is a deliberate ploy essential the drawing, painting, print or construction. He uses tactics adopted by the surrealists, unashamedly scavenged, and although modified to fit in with Watkins' own intentions, remains obviously identifiable.
Watkins began his studies at the Wellington Polytechnic School of Design in the early 1960’s and spent the rest of that decade studying in London. After London where he explored a range of art making methods, Watkins returned to New Zealand where he restricted his use of such methods, and concentrated on pen and indian-ink line drawings, to which was frequently added watercolour.
More recently Watkins’ art practice has focused on strikingly bright, abstract painted canvases and his attentions have focused more on environmental concerns, turning to the natural world for artistic inspiration. Watkins’ masterful layering of colour, texture and form combine in a distinct visual language able to convey the more mysterious and wondrous aspects of nature.
From 1980-2011 Watkins taught at the University of Auckland. He has been awarded multiple scholarships throughout his career and has participated in residencies in both Austalia and India.
In his early work Watkins’used borrowed images reminiscent of other artists, the result of a conscious, if capricious, act of selection where the element of recognition is a deliberate ploy essential the drawing, painting, print or construction. He uses tactics adopted by the surrealists, unashamedly scavenged, and although modified to fit in with Watkins' own intentions, remains obviously identifiable.
Watkins began his studies at the Wellington Polytechnic School of Design in the early 1960’s and spent the rest of that decade studying in London. After London where he explored a range of art making methods, Watkins returned to New Zealand where he restricted his use of such methods, and concentrated on pen and indian-ink line drawings, to which was frequently added watercolour.
More recently Watkins’ art practice has focused on strikingly bright, abstract painted canvases and his attentions have focused more on environmental concerns, turning to the natural world for artistic inspiration. Watkins’ masterful layering of colour, texture and form combine in a distinct visual language able to convey the more mysterious and wondrous aspects of nature.
From 1980-2011 Watkins taught at the University of Auckland. He has been awarded multiple scholarships throughout his career and has participated in residencies in both Austalia and India.
Media
Etching b/w with aquatint
Measurements
Image: hxw; 324 x 496mm
Frame: hxwxd; 740 x 840 x 35mm
Breadth 30mm
Frame: hxwxd; 740 x 840 x 35mm
Breadth 30mm
Registration number
ART00370
Artist
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