Hand-made figures inspired by medieval painters, and large painted canvases that intersect walls and windows, will represent cutting-edge Kiwi art at the Venice Biennale.
London-based Christchurch sculptor Francis Upritchard will make the figures of Hieronymus Bosch and Pieter Brueghel, and abstract painter Judy Millar, of Auckland, the large-scale canvases.
The announcement for next year's biennale comes three years after Creative New Zealand was criticised for choosing art collective et al to represent New Zealand at the 2005 biennale, the world's oldest and largest exhibition of contemporary art.
The collective's earlier works had included a toilet that brayed like a donkey. The decision became a public relations disaster as the collective remained anonymous and the artist reluctant to be interviewed.
Creative NZ, which is partly funded by taxpayers, will spend $650,000 exhibiting Upritchard and Millar's works in Venice for six months next year - $150,000 more than on exhibiting et al. It will also aim to raise another $400,000 from sponsorship and private patronage.
Creative NZ arts council chairman Alastair Carruthers said Millar was "one of New Zealand's most experienced abstractionists" and her project for Venice was "strong, bold and exciting".
Millar, in her early fifties, is well known for her large paintings.
Upritchard, who is her early thirties and has exhibited in Europe and the United States, won the prestigious $50,000 Walters Award in 2006 for her installation of sculptures called Doomed Doomed Doomed.
Mr Carruthers said the biennale, which features work from 70 countries, was one of the best ways for New Zealand to promote its artists overseas.
Support staff will also be in Venice.
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