Bill Hammond, renowned New Zealand artist, dies aged 74

Hammond was known for works inspired by the natural world and critical of colonial destruction

Renowned New Zealand artist Bill Hammond has died, prompting an outpouring of grief and aroha from Kiwis. He was 74.

Hammond was born in Christchurch in 1947 and studied at the University of Canterbury School of Fine Arts. He later gained recognition for cityscapes incorporating elements of film noir, pop culture and comic book references. The Christchurch Art Gallery described his work at a 2007 exhibition as awash with visual sampling, splicing and mixing".