How to build a blockbuster collection on a budget (Part Two)
Picking prints from the stars of the New Zealand art scene
We’re continuing our look at prints by top New Zealand artists and picking out the best to let you assemble a blockbuster collection on a modest budget.
Part Two focuses on more contemporary names, not all may be familiar, but each is established (or well on their way) as an important part in New Zealand art. There are 14 works in this list today, most priced under $10,000. One exception sits above that threshold, but seven can often be found for under $2,000. I debated whether to include photographic works — ultimately, I did, mainly so that both Michael Parekōwhai and Fiona Pardington could feature here.
Grahame Sydney (b. 1948) Road to Lauder
Grahame Sydney is best known for his photorealistic Central Otago landscapes. This print, in an edition of 50, captures that distinctive stillness and clarity. Expect to pay between $2,000 to $3,000; it sold last year for $1,889 but reached $3,168 the year before.
Philip Clairmont (1949 - 1984) Large Still Life with Objects
Created in 1980 as a linocut, this work appears to be an edition of 15 plus 5 artist’s proofs. Clairmont signed some impressions as Large Still Life with Objects and others as Still Life with Vase, Palette, and Objects so I’m not 100% sure they’re the same edition, but they look near identical. Prices over the last two years have ranged from $3,500 to $6,000.
Judy Millar (b. 1957) Flip (Green / Pink / Violet)
You can find this by Judy Millar print in three colour variations: green, pink and violet. Each is in an edition of 10. Recent sales have ranged from $609 to to $1,434, so a fair expectation is around $1,000.
Fiona Pardington (b. 1961) Broken Hearted Heitiki From The Burnet Collection Whanganui Museum
Representing New Zealand at the Venice Biennale next year, Pardington is among our most successful contemporary photographers. Her most in demand works are of her birds, particularly the huia, but those can sell well above $10,000. A more affordable entry point are her photographs of hei tiki. Broken Hearted Heitiki From The Burnet Collection Whanganui Museum has sold recently for between $8,000 to $10,000, though other tiki can be also be found for less.
John Pule (b. 1962) Fenonga Kia Koe
In an edition of 100, this print typically sells for between $1,000 to $2,000. It most recently sold for about $1,200.
Karl Maughan (b. 1964) Kimbolton
Maughan’s bright, densely painted gardens have made him one of New Zealand’s best-selling artists. While his oils exceed $20,000, you should be able to get one of his prints at auction for between $4,000 - $5,000. A good example is Kimbolton in an edition of 95 and last sold for $4,264. But also consider Domain Drive or Zig-Zag Road. Or you can also buy a print directly from one of his dealers: the larger Huia East sells for $5,000 while the smaller Plume sells for $2,800.
Shane Cotton (b.1964) Kikorangi
Cotton is one of New Zealand’s defining contemporary artists. Kikorangi (edition of 30) typically sells around $4,000. For a lower priced option, consider Broken Water (edition of 60), that you should get for between $1,000 to $2,000. There is also a series of six urns he released in 2022 that have sold at auction individually for $6,000+.
Liz Maw (b. 1966) Young David Attenborough
Last week I named Liz Maw on my list of artists to watch. For something a bit playful, consider this work of a Young David Attenborough (edition of 10). You should be able to get this for between $1,000 to $3,000.
Michael Parekōwhai (b. 1968) The Beverley Hills Gun Club
One of the few New Zealand artists whose works have exceeded $1 million at auction, Parekōwhai is amongst the most important names in New Zealand contemporary art. In 2020 he presented an exhibition titled The Beverly Hills Gun Club, depicting birds and rabbits named after American hands guns. In the peak of COVID, these sold for up to $50,000. But with some good timing, you can get one for between $10,000 to $20,000.
Peter Stichbury (b. 1969) Glister
Stichbury’s Glister is in an edition of 100 and I think reasonable to pay around $8,000. Some individual works on paper have sold below $10,000 so consider those as well.
Reuben Paterson (b. 1973) ReJoice Together
Paterson is best known for his use of glitter. In 2011 he created a series of colour themed prints: This Little Light of Mine (Yellow), Ceremony Seekers (Purple), ReJoice Together (Blue). These provide a good entry point for collecting his work and have sold recently for between $3,500 and $5,500.
Star Gossage (b. 1973) All the Flowers and Clouds in Her Hair
This print, All the Flowers and Clouds in Her Hair, is in an edition of 25 plus 5 artist’s proofs. It’s sold for around $1,700 at auction, but you can also acquire it directly from her dealer for $1,500. In a similar price range, also consider Kauri Kaitiaki, which you should be able to get for between $1,000 - $2,000.
Yvonne Todd (b. 1973) Next Time It Will Be Different
Produced in an edition of 200, this print by Yvonne Todd has sold for between $1,000 to $3,000 in recent years. A strong entry point to her acclaimed photographs.
Francis Upritchard (b. 1976) Harlequin Head
Upritchard is best known for her sculptural creations, including those currently displayed outside the Art Gallery of NSW. I’ve chosen this print because it brings her playful aesthetic into printmaking, capturing the harlequin print used on some of her sculptures. Harlequin Head has sold at auction recently for just over $1,000. Also consider the print A Beat that is available directly from ICA London for £266.
That brings us to end of my blockbuster collection: 29 prints that, together, could make up a museum-worthy collection without breaking the bank. I’d love to hear what catches your eye or what’s on your wish list. Drop me a reply or comment — I’m always interested in hearing what readers are collecting next.