Philip Trusttum studied at the University of Canterbury School of Fine Arts (1961-64), tutored by expressionist painter, Rudolf Gopas. He travelled to Europe in 1973 and experienced Vincent van Gogh’s paintings firsthand which provided further inspiration to his style.
Read MoreIn 1974 he returned to Christchurch, which resulted in the completion of the Garden series. The colour, vigour and maturity of these paintings established an impressive benchmark for his practice. Trusttum’s paintings consistently draw from the experience of his immediate environment, and this ‘seriously playful’ treatment of subjects articulates a profound affirmation of humanity’s experience of life and being. Trusttum is an expressionist painter whose iconography over the past 45 years has also consistently retained an optimism and appreciation of artists such as Matisse and Kandinsky.
Trusttum has exhibited throughout New Zealand and internationally. In 2004 he was the recipient of the Krasner-Pollock Award and has work in all major public galleries in New Zealand.