Newspaper Article 1994 – Artist off to Russia

Artist off to Russia

Hastings artist Martin Popplewell [Poppelwell] is going to Minske in December on a cultural arts exchange with the Spanish Government.

The 25-year-old artist’s connection with Spain began in 1992 when he helped prepare the African pavilion at the World Expo. His father, David, lives in Zimbabwe.

Popplewell’s work in Spain led to the invitation from artist Mercedes Carbonell. She is co-ordinating an art exchange project with the Russian city’s Palace of Culture.

He will help make a short film in Minske and is planning on working with Russian artists.

“I have no expectations. That’s the exciting part,” he said last week.

He has applied to the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council for a grant to cover travel costs.

A former Hastings Boys’ High School pupil and twice failed Elam School of Fine Arts student, Popplewell’s work covers his costs. Ceramics and his simple direct-painted images decorated with French titles are regularly bought from Auckland and Wellington galleries.

His mother is Tamatea High School teacher Leslie Popplewell, Hastings.

Photo caption – Martin Popplewell, with “Angels, Rabbits and Carrots”, in his studio above Ara’s Trading Post, Heretaunga St.