In 1987 Peter Stichbury graduated from Elam School of Fine Art and was awarded the James Wallace Art Award. Gathering ideas from magazines, the internet, popular culture and his childhood memories, the artist continues to develop a body of work exploring, interpreting and reflecting upon the nature of identity.

Stichbury's intricate, psychological portraits of both real and imagined people explore themes of popular culture, human consciousness, and science. Early portraits draw heavily upon the commercial imagery of advertising and celebrity, focusing on ideals of perfection revered in contemporary culture. Highlighted in his first major public gallery exhibition, The Alumni 2008, at Auckland's Te Tuhi art space, Stichbury's characters fulfil roles in imagined social hierarchies including teenage models, misfits and intellectuals. Their polished and modulated faces are almost distorted by the efforts of idealisation.

The painting included in this sale reflects the artist's fascination with pop culture. Natalie depicts Australian- British singer Natalie Imbruglia. Peter Stichbury's paintings are held in numerous collections including the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington, Christchurch Art Gallery, Christchurch, Nevada Museum of Art, USA and La Casa Encendida, Spain.