Feature Artist of the Month

Michael Armstrong was born in Christchurch in 1954. He attended the University of Canterbury, graduating in 1976 with a Diploma in Fine Arts, majoring in Painting. Since 1969, Armstrong has exhibited in various solo and group shows in galleries throughout New Zealand, Australia and in the UK to considerable critical acclaim. In 1984 he was awarded the prestigious Frances Hodgkins Fellowship at Otago University and he received the CSA Guthrey Travel Award in 1990. On several occasions he has also been a finalist in the ‘James Wallace’ and the ‘Anthony Harper (CoCA)’ Art Awards.

Armstrong’s explorations of Abstract Expressionist and Surrealist stylistic techniques have frequently resulted in convention breaking compositions, particularly in regard to the definition of pictorial space. His paintings range from relatively traditional formats to experimental loose canvases painted on both sides and then twisted to reveal elements of both compositions. He has also produced a very successful series of intricate plywood and metal multi-level, painted constructions that protrude out from the wall as if cut free from the conventional flat rectangular boundaries of the canvas, pushing themselves out and away into the realm of sculpture.

Armstrong’s vivid use of colour and playful compositions belie the raw intensity of the often dark and difficult subject matter. His works explore issues of self-expression and identity as well as discourses on the nature of art and the artist’s place within society.

In 2005, Armstrong returned to the University of Canterbury to achieve a Masters degree in Fine Art. He resides in Timaru and where he has been an art lecturer at the local Aoraki Polytechnic since 1994. Works by Michael Armstrong’s are represented in private and public collections in Australia, Great Britain and throughout New Zealand.

Artwork Gallery for the month
Updated Monthly !
To give you an idea of our range of paintings, sculptures, fine art prints and wall hangings we rotate 30 of the artworks we currently have available for hire. We endeavour to include something for everyone. A sample of traditional oil, watercolour and modern mixed media landscapes, abstract acrylic still life, detailed pastel studies as well as graphic screen prints.

The original artwork in stock are constantly changing so unfortunately we cannot provide a catalogue.
But give us a call to arrange a time for one of us to come and show you the full range currently available!

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We thought we would give people a chance to get to know us a little better. Ask us questions, and browse through the galleries we have previously uploaded on our site. Remember that some of those artworks are no longer available, but you can always look we might have something similar you'll like just as much.

Fight the dark winter days with bright beautiful art!

The holidays are over and the kids are back at school, tax year is over and we can return to the routine. Artwork is a way to transport back to those special places of the holidays everyday. Why not rent a little piece of the great New Zealand landscape.
we are offering a full service special.
Sign a two year agreement and
Hire 3 artworks for $97.50 + GST per month!
(one for reception, one for the boardroom and one for the staff area)
Remember we come and install the artwork and you can change at any time with just a phone call.

Our Website

We are very excited and happy to bring a website to you. It as always been here but buried in the web. We are taking it out dusting it off and making it more accessible to you!
Art Rentals specialises in original artwork not digital design, so we are learning as we go and will be updating bits and pieces each month to provide a more extensive service to our clients. If you think of anything you would like to see please let us know, and we will try and arrange it.

Melbourne, Australia

Art Rentals (NZ) has a small collection in Melbourne, Australia. If you need to rent original New Zealand art over the ditch, give us a call and we would be happy to show you what we have over there.

London, United Kingdom

We are very excited and happy to introduce a service in London, U.K. Original art is an excellent way to reconnect with your New Zealand roots, or remind you of the fabulous holiday you had while you were here.
Jayesh would love to hear from you if you are interested.

© 2009 Art Rentals (N.Z)