Art Gallery hosts memorial for Bill Hammond

A memorial at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū on Friday will honour renowned Lyttelton artist Bill Hammond.

Recognised as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s finest painters, Hammond died on Saturday night, aged 73.

Friday’s service – marking Hammond’s remarkable talents and legacy – gets under way in the foyer at 5pm, with members of the public welcome to attend.

Gallery Director Blair Jackson says that Hammond’s work is “truly original and unforgettable” and that the Gallery “is a most fitting place to celebrate his enduring contribution to New Zealand art”.

One of the most recognised landscapes by the Christchurch-born artist, The Fall of Icarus (after Bruegel), featuring his enigmatic bird people looking out on a deep-green sea, is on display at the Gallery.

“We hope the people of Christchurch will join Hammond’s family and friends as we gather to commemorate the passing of one of our greatest – and most influential – artists,” Mr Jackson says.

* Bill Hammond The Fall of Icarus (after Bruegel) 1995 Acrylic on canvas. Collection of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, purchased 1996. Reproduced with permission.