Born in 1950, Gavin Chilcott graduated with a Diploma of Fine
Arts from Elam School of Fine Arts, Auckland, in 1970. Chilcott is
one of New Zealand's most recognisable painters and his work has
received high acclaim both nationally and internationally.
Chilcott's style has evolved over the years, ranging from pure,
structural abstraction in the early stages of his career, to the
implementation of symbolic forms, such as spheres and vessels, in a
figurative and anecdotal manner in more recent works. In many ways,
Chilcott's work revives ties to Surrealism, albeit without the
acceptance of a Surrealist doctrine. Described by respected
commentator Warwick Brown as 'funky Surrealism', Chilcott's work
makes use of some of the more recognisable
Surrealist conventions - symbolic objects, warped or
strained perspective, a sense of incongruity - married to the use
of audacious colour and often chunky forms and zany
compositions.
Chilcott works in various media, including ceramics, sculpture,
and installation as well as painting. His designs grace Dilana rugs
and he has collaborated with furniture designer David White. He has
been the recipient of QE II Arts Council grants from 1980-1989, has
participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions in New Zealand,
Australia, Italy and Spain, and continues to influence a new
generation of New Zealand artists.