Internationally acclaimed Kiwi artist exhibits with local art dealer
Auckland artist Brad Novak leads a double life. He’s found fame as a graphic artist, better known as New Blood Pop, while also carving out a distinguished career in the public health sector.
Novak has exhibited his art in galleries in the US, Canada, the UK and New Zealand, and his work features in some notable private collections, including that of Quentin Tarantino. He’s exhibited alongside luminaries of the pop art World, including Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Roy Lichtenstein and Banksy.
In 2016 he followed this up with his second solo show, in Toronto, which caught the attention of Canada’s national TV network.
Novak himself says, “New Blood Pop is concerned with how we experience life itself, the 21st century issues we face such as inequalities in wealth and health, materialism,
sustainability, and globalisation. I’m also interested in the idea of escapism especially through science fiction and superhero franchise. Of the things we choose to believe, what’s real, and what’s not? These works are global, flagrant, iconic and ironic.” Local art dealer Christine Rabarts has represented Brad Novak as a permanent artist since 2015. “Brad was exhibiting in Auckland
at the time in the Artrite screenprinting workshop, when Michael Smither suggested I consider him. I have a lot of artists contacting me weekly, so it takes someone pretty special for me to stop and have a look into their work. When I had a chance I viewed Brad’s work, and met with him. I trialled a few pieces of his work in the gallery, and on the first day I put his work in the front window, cars were stopping in the street to view them as they drove past.”
It’s not all about sales for Christine Rabarts. She goes on to note that, “Brad has continued to be an exceptional artist to work with, and we have continued to work together as a team. I showcased “Beauty of the Beast,” which was a sell out exhibition, and a number of other exhibitions. They have all been popular.”
Rabarts believes that Novak’s messages about how we should be looking after the world and humanity as a whole resonate strongly with the contemporary audience. “Brad’s works send a strong message for humanity and how we connect with each other globally, not just locally or culturally.” You can see Brad Novak’s work on display at the CR Exhibit Space, 24 Wharf Road
Coromandel, from the 19th to the 28th of August, Thursdays through Mondays.