The paintings from my Grimm Project started in 2014 and work on this project is ongoing. The paintings represent a varied array of Grimm’s fairy tales initially chosen for me at random. I invited people to give me a number which then corresponded to the page in a book of Grimm’s fairy tales – in turn choosing the story I would depict. The paintings are my response to aspects of each of the stories, rather than an attempt at a direct representation of the story. Leaving the intent of my interpretation sometimes ambiguous.

The work from this project has been exhibited as a solo show titled ‘Retold’ at Toi Poneke, Wellington, and the Lake House Arts Centre, Takapuna, Auckland. It was also the basis for my creative explorations during my artist residency at Samuel Marsden Collegiate, Wellington. It was then exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery, Wellington in a show title ‘Once Upon a Time’ at the conclusion of the residency.

The Artworks

Hansel and Gretel Lost in the Woods 2016 | Rebecca Holden | SOLD (Finalist in the Wellington Regional Art Award 2016)

The Golden Bird (2) | Oil on paper | 1330mm | SOLD

The Frog King | Rebecca Holden | Oil on paper | SOLD

Thousandfurs | Oil on paper | 1500mm x 1400mm (h) | SOLD

Faithful Johannes | Oil on paper |2014 | 990mm x 1330mm (h) | NZ$1800

The Boy Who Left Home to Find Out About the Shivers | Oil on paper | 1330mm x 1120mm (h) | POA

The Golden Bird (3) | Rebecca Holden 2015 | Oil on paper | SOLD

The Juniper Tree | Oil/graphite on paper | 2014 | 1370mm x 1230mm (h) | NZ$1250

The Musicians of Bremen | oil on stretched canvas | 2018 | 920mm x 610mm (h) | SOLD

Rumpelstilskin | Oil on paper | 2014 | 1330mm x 1690mm (h) | NZ$1300

The Devil With the 3 Golden Hairs | oil on paper | 2015 | 880mm x 1060mm (h) | NZ$1250

Donkey Cabbage | oil on canvas | 2017 | SOLD

Lost Together – oil on canvas | SOLD

The Golden Bird | Oil on paper | 1850mm x 1350mm (h) | SOLD

Strong Hans | Oil on paper | 1240mm x 865mm (h) | SOLD

• Read about the research behind and the development of this project.