43. Peter Siddell 1935 - 2011
Opening
Oil on canvas
122 x 170 cm
Signed & dated 1988
est. $145,000 - 165,000
Fetched $191,000
Relative Size: Opening
Relative size

Provenance: Dame Kiri Te Kanawa Collection

Sir Peter Siddell has long been recognized as one of New Zealand's leading realist artists. Auckland born Siddell was educated at Mt Albert Grammar School and the Auckland College of Education, he began painting professionally in 1972. In 1990 he was made a Companion of the Queen's Service Order and was knighted in 2008, becoming the second only New Zealand artist to receive this honour.

Should one be asked to compose a checklist of stylistic elements identified with Siddell, all are to be seen in this work. Here, the artist's wish to create a world from my imagination which will be immediately accepted by others as real is clearly fulfilled. To this suburban mosaic of villas and bungalows the artist introduces a personal pictorial note with the inclusion of his local Mt Eden Village shops. The title Opening is most likely inspired by the dramatic cloud formation which opens to reveal a blue sky.

Peter Siddell is represented in the permanent collections of public art galleries throughout New Zealand

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