Blue Elvis – Fane Flaws Tribute Exhibition

The iconic artist Fane Flaws died in 2001, leaving a legacy of prodigious artistic output and a bevy of bereft fans. The ‘Blue Elvis’ tribute exhibition at Arcade Gallery will include selected artworks including painting, sculpture, and screenprints by the late Fane Flaws courtesy of the Fane Flaws Estate and Boyd-Dunlop Gallery.

The gallery tribute will coincide with the MTG exhibition, Making a Mark: The Work of Fane Flaws celebrates Fane’s unerring commitment to creativity that lifts us out of the humdrum and recognises that whatever he was making, be it television commercials, books for kids, music videos or songs, Fane’s work radiated a spirit that was much bigger than any of it.

Napier based artist Fane Flaws is one of New Zealand’s most idiosyncratic and eclectic artists. He is widely known for his quirky, surrealistic work as a visual artist, although his career spanned a huge range of media including graphic design, painting, video and music.

Flaws started painting when taking a break from music on Waiheke Island in the late seventies. He went on to develop a huge body of work and a recognisable style that reflected his vibrant, energetic personality. He was often excited about new projects, and new collaborations. He seemed to channel constant creative energy.

After his passing in 2021 Flaws was recognised as having had a considerable impact on New Zealand cultural history. He exhibited throughout New Zealand in various one person and group shows since 1984, and held over 40 awards for his directorial work in film, music video and television, and his work is represented in private collections within New Zealand.

Some text adapted from the MTG website and Toni McKinnon in the HB Today