Anton Parsons (born 1968, in
Palmerston North)[1] is a New Zealand sculptor. His work often contain letters and numbers, sometimes in Braille or Braille-like codes, these are typically arranged along linear of curvilinear surfaces. Some of his early work consisted of meticulously crafted oversize pencils and other writing equipment.[2] Later he produced a series of works involving oversized Braille often in collaboration with the blind poet Dr. Peter Beatson of Palmerston North.[3] The Braille works were followed by a series of works designed to fit in gallery doorways, they consisted of vertical plastic strips similar to a cheap fly screen.[4][5]
Education
Parsons gained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture at the Canterbury School of Fine Art in 1990.[6]
Awards and grants
While at university Parsons was awarded the Rosemary Muller sculpture award and obtained a number of grants in the following years which allowed him to develop his practice.[7]
1990 – Rosemary Muller sculpture award, University of Canterbury
1991 – Q.E.2 Arts Council, Creative projects grant
1993 – Q.E.2 Arts Council, Professional development grant
1996 – Creative New Zealand, New work development grant
Public commissions
Parsons has been commissioned to produce a number of site specific sculptures in New Zealand[6]
1992 – Alphabeti, Department of Justice, High Court, Wellington