Kiwi Burger by Otis Frizzell
Otis has more than 20 years of public graffiti art experience, and since 1998 has retained his position as New Zealand’s highest-profile graffiti artist.
Describe the inspiration behind your kiwi.
I’ve done a few kiwis now. Rather than just painting something on the kiwi, my ideas have always been to try and turn my kiwi into something completely different. I have painted a kiwi to look like it was made of pounamu, and last year I turned my kiwi into Mickey Mouse (Kind of) and named him MIKIWI
This year was no different. I was thinking of times the word ‘kiwi’ has been used in Aotearoa Pop Culture, and thought of the famous McDonald’s Kiwi Burger. So… The idea was, to turn this year’s kiwi into a giant Kiwi Burger. Complete with (from top to bottom) A sesame seed bun, tomato sauce and mustard, beetroot, lettuce, tomato, egg, meat patty, cheese and the bottom bun. All painted in a funky, bold and Pop Art style.
Describe the design process. How did your idea turn into a kiwi?
it was actually trickier than I thought it would be. I wanted all the layers to be perfectly horizontal, and it’s hard to get a series of parallel horizontal lines on a bumpy, 3D object. But after a few tried with some chalk and a spirit level it all came together. Then I just had to paint to ingredients, and try to make it look delicious! haha
What's your favourite thing about your sculpture? What makes it super cool?
I like it when I haven’t told someone the title and seeing the penny drop when they figure out what it is… it’s a Kiwi. It’s a burger… Oh! KiwiBurger!
Why did you say 'yes' to joining the Kiwi Art Trail?
It’s fun. And it’s for a good cause. I’ve got some decent prices at auction for my past efforts, so it feels like I’m making a good contribution to Save the Kiwi.
What do you like about kiwi and kiwi conservation? Why is the kiwi important to you?
It’s our national bird! They're beautiful. Kiwi are cute. They’re kinda awkward and funny. Maybe they remind me of me. Haha
Have you ever seen a kiwi?
I’ve seen them at the zoo, but never in the wild. I’ve heard them plenty, though. Up north in Tawharanui. I’d LOVE to see some in the wild.
Why do you do what you do? What inspired you to become an artist?
It’s just what I do. It’s what I’m good at and what I love doing. And I’m not much good at anything else.
Find out more about Kiwi Burger on here.
