Francis Upritchard

From New Plymouth Francis Upritchard initially studied painting then turned to sculpture while attending the University of Canterbury's Ilam School of Fine Art, graduating in 1997. Her early sculptural works focused on pieces reminiscent of artefacts from ancient cultures and included artwork that replicated shrunken heads. More recent sculptures explore the human figure, some naked, others clothed in items appropriate to the period represented. In 2006 Francis was awarded the Walter Prize for her exhibition entitled 'Doomed, Doomed, All Doomed', she has also represented New Zealand at the 2009 Venice Biennale. Her outdoor work consists of a single installation on Symonds St in Auckland made up of three concrete plinths upon which stand a collection of figurines with human and snake like forms.