Bio
Born 1987 in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Currently lives and works in China. Holds a MFA from Massey University, Wellington, majoring in painting (2009).
Douglas Stichbury references the history of painting in his practice. In his diptych of paintings, Destiny and Anywhere, we see details of historical works. Although rendered in sketchy, monochromatic oil paint they are immediately recognisable through these images' proliferation and the repeated references made to these works in popular culture. In the case of Destiny, a detail is appropriated from Raft of the Medusa and in Anywhere the reference is made to the work Napoleon Crossing the Alps. Both these early 19th century French historical works are best remembered for their heroic and idealised depictions of recent events of the time. They both combine elements of Romanticism, which broke with the reigning Neo-Classical style of the times. These are representations, which today we would view with a certain amount of cynicism.
The text Stichbury incorporates into the works at first appears to have an ambiguous relationship with the images. Its sentiment is aspirational, like a corporate slogan or motto a college or University may employ to inspire its students and engender them with a sense of history and purpose. However, removed from such contexts the words seem over-blown and clichéd and their motivations insincere. This hollow emotional drama links text and image together. We are drawn into the works by a process of filling in the gaps with our existing knowledge and are asked to critique these subjects in their new contexts.
Jessica Scott (Strive Towards your Destiny, Michael Hirschfeld Gallery, 2008).