Marian Fountain b. 1960

MARIAN FOUNTAIN

b. 1960

Born In New Zealand, Marian Fountain was introduced to the techniques of bronze casting while studying at Elam School of Fine Arts (1979 – 1983). There, under the guidance of Paul Beadle, Fountain developed a deep respect for the traditional processes of the medium.  In 1984, she received a major travel grant from the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council, and travelled initially to London, where she gained experience casting at the Royal College of Art. Fountain then moved to Italy, where she studied at the Scuola della Mediglia (Rome Mint).

Melding the inspiration of the rich diversity of European art, history and culture with her New Zealand roots and the cultures of the Pacific, Fountain uses the female form, plant life and the animal kingdom, often in states of metamorphosis, to explore themes of fertility, womanhood, conflict, change and growth.

Marian Fountain is a member of the New Zealand Medallion Group and has designed and made medals for the 1988 XIV Commonwealth Games, the 2003 America's Cup and for the Friends of Birmingham Museums in 2007.

Fountain has exhibited at the British Museum, The National Gallery of Scotland, the Museo Archeologico of Milan, York Museum Auckland Museum and the French Mint.  Her works have been displayed at the New Zealand Embassy in Paris and in London and are held in the British Museum and Smithsonian Museum collections. 

Fountain has been living in Paris for over 30 years and exhibits regularly in Europe, while keeping a continuous presence in the New Zealand art world. 

Marian Fountain has been represented by ARTIS Gallery since 2010.