Artist Statement:
When examining my paintings, one will notice the frenetic energy that is present throughout the work. Upon investigating more closely, it will become apparent that this activity is the essence of each mark. In this sense, painting is a personal act that works to understand the subject. Whether the subject be that of the internal world of the artist or a literal form of the external world, it is the very translation of thought to form that ignites life within the painting.
As an artist, I use oil paint as a medium to explore this kindred connection that exists between the mark and my intent.
Although my practice remains figurative, it must be stressed that the majority of my inspiration stems from an internal source, something that is not driven by the literal subject. This has resulted in an impasto application of oil paint where variables such as speed, force and motion activate endless possibilities within each mark. Painting has come to be about capturing what occurs within the present moment. Whether this is from within the time to mentally prepare and “enter into” the painting, to the physical contact made of palette knife onto canvas.
The artwork itself is a result of a conducted spiritual process, where varying mark-making reflects the subtle layers of an authentic human response.
- Holly Zandbergen
Artist C.V
Education:
2011 - 2013
Bachelor of Visual Arts, Dunedin School of Art, Otago Polytechnic, New Zealand
Solo Exhibitions:
2025
Elemental Lands, Craig Potton Gallery, Nelson
Bloom, LE’Strange Gallery, Christchurch
Florescence, Astor Bristed Gallery, Arrowtown
2024
Winter Return, Astor Bristed Gallery, Arrowtown
2023
Last Pick, Astor Bristed Gallery, Arrowtown
2022
An Interior Life Examined, NZ Art Broker, Christchurch
Internal Landscapes, Astor Bristed Gallery, Arrowtown
2021
In Search Of A Truer Nature, Astor Bristed Gallery, Arrowtown
2020
Ephemeral Worlds, Black Asterisk Gallery, Auckland
2019
Touch, Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery, Charlotte Street, London
2018
Compositions Of Nature, Black Asterisk Gallery, Auckland
2017
I Sit In The Blue Of The Hills, Rebecca Hossack Gallery, London
Terrain, Aigantighe Art Gallery, Timaru, New Zealand
Group Exhibitions/Art Fairs:
2022
Craigs Aspiring Art Prize, Holy Family School, Wanaka
2021
Summer Exhibition, Craig Potton Gallery, Nelson
Summer Contemporary Exhibition, Rarity Gallery, Mykonos
Parkin Drawing Prize, Academy Galleries, Wellington
ZAFAA21, Ashburton Art Gallery, Ashburton
2020
Summer Contemporary Exhibition, Rarity Gallery, Mykonos
Springtime, Rebecca Hossack Gallery, London
2019
Battersea Autumn Affordable Art Fair, Rebecca Hossack Gallery, London
LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair, Rebecca Hossack Gallery, London
RSM Plunket Law Art Show, Aigantighe Art Gallery, Timaru, New Zealand
Hong Kong Affordable Art Fair, Rebecca Hossack Gallery, London
Hampstead Heath Affordable Art Fair, Rebecca Hossack Gallery, London
Auckland Art Fair, The Cloud, Black Asterisk Gallery, Auckland
2018
Context, Art New York, Rebecca Hossack Gallery, New York
Battersea Affordable Art Fair, Rebecca Hossack Gallery, London
2017
Art Toronto, Rebecca Hossack Gallery, Toronto
LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair, Rebecca Hossack Gallery, London
Seattle Art Fair, Rebecca Hossack Gallery, Seattle
Source: Reflections on Water, Rebecca Hossack Gallery, London
ZAFAA 2017, Ashburton Art Gallery, Ashburton, New Zealand
Molly Morpeth Canady Award 17, Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi, Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre, Whakatane, New Zealand
2016
Wilderness - Reading the Landscape, Rebecca Hossack Gallery, London
Big Little Things, The Great Small Art Group Show, Black Asterisk Gallery, Auckland
The Columbia Threadneedle Prize, Palazzo Strozzi, Florence
Auckland Art Fair, Black Asterisk Gallery, Auckland
Holly Zandbergen: The River Series, Graham Hunter Gallery, London
The Columbia Threadneedle Prize, The Mall Galleries, London
2015
NOA Winner's Exhibition, Pallant House Gallery, Chichester
The National Open Art Exhibition, The Royal College of Art, London
38th Wimbledon Studios Open Show, Wimbledon Art Studios, London
Creekside Open 2015, selected by Lisa Milroy, APT Gallery, London
37th Wimbledon Studios Open Show, Wimbledon Art Studios, London
2014
36th Wimbledon Open Studios Art Show, Wimbledon Art Studios, London
37th Annual RSM Law Plunket Art Show, Aigantighe Art Gallery, New Zealand
2013
The New Zealand Art Show, TSB Bank Arena, Wellington, New Zealand
SITE, Dunedin School of Art, New Zealand
Awards:
2021
Parkin Drawing Prize, finalist
2018
Distinguished Alumni Award, Otago Polytechnic, Dunedin, New Zealand
2015
Winner of the Prudential Best Young Artists Award, The National Open Art Competition, The Royal College of Art, London
2013
NZAAT Emerging Artist Award, shortlist