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Watch an artist transform a Wellingtonian into a popular portrait by a New Zealand artist at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery. 

Christchurch based artist Julia Holden will use non-toxic Resene paint to turn one Wellingtonian into the striking portrait during a free hour long event on Saturday 11 March.

Local creative Ruby Cumming has volunteered to be the ‘living canvas’ for Julia’s performative homage to Leo Bensemann's 1940's portrait of his friend and fellow painter, Caroline Oliver.  Painting directly onto the model, Julia “will use her as the canvas to bring the past into the present in a new, contemporary portrait.” 

Gallery visitors will get the chance to see first-hand the process behind these painting/photograph hybrids and will have the opportunity to talk with the artist.

The portrait of Oliver, who was an artist and friend of Bensemann is part of the exhibition Leo Bensemann & Friends: Portraiture and The Group currently showing at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery.

Christchurch based art consultant Grant Banbury will narrate the performance. He will discuss the history of the work, Bensemann and the relationship between artist and subject.

The event has been made possible by the Friends of the New Zealand Portrait Gallery, President Jane Kirkcaldie says that “the Friends are excited to support Julia Holden's event as Julia brings an innovative approach to portraiture with her body painted portraits of artists, musicians and creatives. This event gives a magical opportunity for audience-artist interaction, as Julia paints 'live' in the Gallery"

Leo Bensemann's 'Caroline' - Painting Performance.

Saturday 11 March from 1pm

New Zealand Portrait Gallery, Queens Wharf, Wellington Waterfront, Wellington