Heemskerk and Waka Diorama

Richard Vandenberg

Diorama of scene of Heemskerk and Waka by Richard Vandenberg

Ngati Tumatakokiri members first encountered Abel Tasman and his crew in December 1642 when his ships sailed into what he would call Moordenaers Baij (Murders Bay) four of the dutch crew were killed in the encounter

Approx. 610mm wide x 190mm high 

Richard's work is very graphic and slightly surreal, using direct profile to capture the beauty of the subjects to create small self-contained visual stories. The use of glass and Perspex is a way of conveying depth and reflecting light as it takes a 2D image and transforms it into a 3D object. It also acts as a mirror, placing the viewer into the image and narrative.

The images are printed onto a self adhesive vinyl with a plastic film, which is stuck onto Perspex. The frames are made from wood and embossed card, hand painted and aged.

Richard van den Berg is a Christchurch based artist who trained in visual communication, specialising in 3D design. Following his studies, Richard worked as a self-employed mural painter.