Paul Dibble
1943-2023, Aotearoa

Paul Dibble was a leading artist of his generation, having created a rich body of sculptural works for public and private contexts over the course of decades. He was particularly well-known for his large-scale, cast bronze sculptures, though was also well-versed in working on a domestic scale. He developed his own purpose-built foundry and was one of only a few sculptors in New Zealand to cast their own large-scale works. Dibble passed away late in 2023, leaving an extraordinary artistic legacy.

Key themes in Dibble’s sculptural work include native flora and fauna, cultural history, architecture, and the human figure. In recent years, he created work that engages with ecological themes. His final solo exhibition at Gow Langsford Gallery, Huia Sings Alone, provided an excellent case in point, reflecting on the extinct huia.

The Quest for Immortality was produced in 2023, the last year of Dibble’s life. The material and monumental scale of The Quest for Immortality give it a sense of gravitas. The central form of the sculpture is a fishhook, with the word ‘Maui’ etched into the surface – referencing the Māori mythological story of the origins of Aotearoa. The legends of Maui conclude with his unsuccessful quest for immortality. A small fantail, or pīwakawaka, is perched on the hook. This bird is sometimes considered a messenger of impending death, further exploring the life and death theme of the work.