Pop art given a sporting chance

Pop artist Aaron Tomlinson, of Christchurch, with some of his All Blacks art depicting Dan Carter and Richie McCaw. Photo from NZ Herald.

It might seem an odd mix, but Christchurch artist Aaron Tomlinson reckons it's a blend that people will get a kick out of.

Having spied a gap in the New Zealand art scene, Tomlinson has been inspired to combine his passion for pop art with our rugby heroes.

His rugby-themed creations are on show in Christchurch as a tribute to the All Blacks as they do battle with Australia in the Tri-Nations competition.

"I thought, what can I do which is a bit new? And rugby is just so massive a part of New Zealand culture, and I couldn't really think of too much rugby art that is out there.

"One thing I have always enjoyed doing is looking through old books and old comics and magazines and things like that, and sometimes taking those images is like resurrecting them in some way."

Carter and fellow All Black star Richie McCaw feature prominently in works that took Tomlinson three to four hours each.

Asked how he thought the pair would react to their pop art images, he said: "I think they would like it. I think they recognise the fact that they are icons in New Zealand".

Another of his works shows a comic-book heroine racing home to catch the rugby.

While art is now only a part-time pursuit for him, Tomlinson hopes to one day make a living from it.