Hybrid Whio 3.1

Juxtaposing the fine art of bronze smelting with a street and urban art aesthetic has created an object that’s both whimsical but also striking.

“Creating this first ever bronze as the signature work for my solo show in the USA at Chicago’s Vertical Gallery was 2.5 years in the making. The patina is a wonderful blue green honouring the native NZ blue duck.”

This object further builds on one of Brad’s central themes… his self-titled ‘Hybrids’, within which he explores ‘identity’ through charismatic animals fusing with humans to create engaging hybrid figures. Many of the central subjects are birds, which have a special place in both the history and modern-day life of Aotearoa, New Zealand. And the warrior aspect of several pieces reflects the fight that we all must undertake to break our own self-limiting beliefs. These works are a metaphor, mirroring Brad’s career and life journey.

“I believe there’s this flawed human tendency for us to label (and thereby limit) not only ourselves but also others. I’m rejecting this through combining both visual art and medical careers. The primary question being, how do we honour our authentic inner self?”

Novak considers himself a true ‘hybrid’ – geek first, artist second, and (part-time) doctor third. Begun in 2009, this series rose out of an attempt to be defined by more than his first career. Through uncanny juxtaposition, he wants to convey the complexity of our identities. Are we just one ‘thing’? A Mother, a father, an accountant, a businesswoman? Defined by something that we do? Why do we put others (and ourselves) in restrictive little boxes?

“I am grateful for this opportunity to challenge stereotypes. Learning about the ‘golden handcuff’ phenomenon, and sunk-cost bias, helped me take risks career-wise and accept who I am. Both my artwork and practice reflect this…”

-Brad Novak

Medium: Limited edition bronze sculpture with blue/green patina. 300mm high. 7.3 kg. Edition of only 8 – stamped with the new blood pop symbol and inscribed with the number verso. Displayed unmounted (as intended) but has mounting holes underneath for optionality.