Proof that you're never too old to stage a takeover — octogenarian artist Philip Trusttum has lent more than 120 of his works to a Christchurch shopping centre in what's being called an 'art takeover'.
The big, bold works are displayed throughout The Colombo, while posters cover the entrance doors and a giant billboard towers over the facade.
"Looks fantastic," Trusttum told Seven Sharp from the pavement. "One person said they should stay up!"
Trusttum, soon to celebrate his 84th birthday, is one of this country's finest contemporary artists and has been a full-time painter for 60 years.
His artworks will be on display for the month of June as the centre completes a refurbishment. The Colombo owner Lilly Cooper said the centre was showcasing his last 24 years of work that "has never been seen before anywhere in the country".
Cooper initiated the Trusttum takeover. As one of the artist's central city neighbours, she'd often admired his work from the footpath while she walked her dogs.
"I would look and think we should display this somewhere," said Cooper, "the colour and the vibrance of it."
Cooper called in art consultant Deborah McCormick of DMC Art to curate the large-scale exhibition.
"I really believe that public art is different from putting art in a gallery because people choose to go into a gallery," explained McCormick.
"Public art is about making it accessible, and Philip is perfect for that because he paints the everyday. It's colourful, humorous, and makes people respond."
Trusttum showed Seven Sharp how he takes his inspiration from objects around him in his airy plywood-lined studio.
His latest collection depicts thumbs holding splattered paint lids.
"I'll go paint those paint tins, and then I'll paint the measuring thing over there," he said.
"It's a bit like a cook opening up a cookbook; there's so much to do. It's just a matter of finding something."
Trusttum describes himself as a 'braided' painter: "I go off different avenues."
When asked what people enjoy about his art, Trusttum responded, "I think it's the bounce of life."
Trusttum's eye-catching works have been a colourful constant on the art scene for six decades, from Buzzy Bees, to dogs pulling on the lead, to street signs.
His admirers might be surprised that reading and music are his real passions. He paints with music playing in his studio, and a large table is covered with thousands of compact discs.
"My first love is music, really," he admitted. "If I come back, I'd like to be a top-notch composer, at the Shostakovich level."
From Cooper's initial idea to opening night has taken just 18 days, an exceptionally tight time frame for any exhibition, let alone one of this scale.
"It's a great opportunity for developers to look at their empty spaces and collaborate with artists," urged Cooper, with a message to others, "You should try it, it's quite cool."
All of the works are available for purchase, and on opening night, many already had a sold sticker.
Trusttum said the exhibition has been a chance to show what he regards as "hidden treasures", and "it's now up to the public to make their own mind about it; otherwise, they won't be seen till I'm long gone.
"It's good to see them out of my studio," he added.
"To see them here and hung well in this environment is good because galleries can be a little bit intimidating, but this is very democratic, I think."
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