“Before the invention of photography, sitting for a portrait was a mark of status and achievement – famous people had their portraits painted for the generations that followed.
The Sitting is a series of short “portrait” shows celebrating well known New Zealanders and revealing little known facts about these people we think we know so well.
A famous New Zealander from the world of the arts or the media is invited to The Sitting.
In our studio gallery, Stephen “Marty” Welch, a highly acclaimed up-and-coming New Zealand portrait artist, captures the essence of each famous subject on canvas.
While he’s sketching and painting, Marty engages his subject in conversation, exploring his or her past and discovering new information about the person.
As Marty and the sitter go to work, colours, tone and stroke take shape and begin to form an extraordinary and convincing portrait as viewers get the chance to take a closer look at a famous face in a process that will reveal some surprises.
This 18-part television series has been created to provide a unique insight into some of the most interesting, revered and emerging talent in New Zealand today.
A charming blend of well-known Kiwi personalities take part in the series, including, actors Ian Mune, Michelle Ang, Jacob Rajan and Lucy Lawless, Sudanese refugee-turned-model Sunday Holiday, drag artist Buckwheat, colorful comedienne Jan Maree, presenters Kevin Milne, Russell Brown and Finlay MacDonald, broadcasters Mike Hosking, Iain Stables and Pam Corkery, infomercial queen Suzanne Paul, director Sima Urale and musicians Tiki Taane, Luke Thompson and Tau Manukia.”
It seems to be a repeat of a 2008 series, but watch tonight on TVN7 at 9.00pm – enjoying this station’s art programmes!
