Gary Freemantle | Blue Velvet: {Suite} Wellington

Shannon painter Gary Freemantle doesn't shy away from doing the 'hard yards'. From using paint made from earth pigments to painting on the notoriously difficult medium of velvet, Freemantle's work challenges both himself and the viewer to appreciate lesser used materials which the artist elevates to new heights.

Blue Velvet presents a suite of ‘Ghost Paintings’ that cast haunting yet subtle impressions of car interiors, portraits and still lifes in monochrome. Against the uncompromising texture of velvet, Freemantle renders scenes with gossamer brushwork that lends an appearance of ethereality, as though describing memories that have since faded and moments that possibly never were. Drawing on themes the artist has returned to throughout his practice, the paintings recall the transient nature of beauty and brevity of existence.

Gary Freemantle graduated with a BFA in Painting from the University of Canterbury's Ilam School of Fine Arts in 1984. He has been awarded numerous awards and residences including the Rita Angus House Residency twice and has exhibited regularly at galleries throughout New Zealand.