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Phil Dadson

b. 1946

  • Biography
  • Overview of Works
  • Selected Press
  • Exhibitions
  • Insights
  • Biography
  • Overview of Works
  • Selected Press
  • Exhibitions
  • Insights

Phil Dadson is a seminal figure in New Zealand’s art history, both for pushing the boundaries of sound and intermedia art since the 70s with the internationally renowned From Scratch, the subject of two survey exhibitions in 2018, and marking its 50th anniversary in 2024; and for his influence on a generation of now leading senior and mid-career artists through his position as Head of Intermedia/Time-based arts at Auckland University’s Elam School of Fine Arts from 1986 – 2001. He became a New Zealand Arts Foundation Laureate in 2001, and an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2005. His highly inventive trans-disciplinary approach to making art includes solo performances and exhibitions, building experimental musical instruments and sonic objects, digital video/audio and installation, music composition, graphic scores and drawing, sound sculptures and improvisations with invented instruments. Video remains a constant passion as much for its ability to synergistically combine image and sound as for its unique physicality.

A founder of Scratch Orchestra (London, 1969, with Cornelius Cardew, Michael Parsons and others), Dadson returned to New Zealand and established From Scratch (1974). The group, whose founding members included Don McGlashan, Wayne Laird and Bruce Barber, garnered international acclaim for its legendary performances on original instruments. Their performances were the subject of Gregor Nicholas’ films Drum Sing and Pacific 3-2-1-Zero, the latter awarded the Croisette d’Or Grand Prix at the Cannes Music Film Awards in 1994. Both films are included in the Permanent Film Collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Dadson continues to exhibit and perform regularly in New Zealand and internationally, and his films have been selected for International Film Festivals. He has received several major awards and commissions including a Fulbright travel award to the USA, residencies in Antarctica, Delhi, Venice, San Francisco, and numerous International research, exhibition and performance grants. 2013 brought exhibitions and performances in Aotearoa,  Chile (Kermedecs conservation project), and Christchurch’s Scape 7. The 2015 Fulbright residency period in San Francisco continues to reverberate through current performances and album releases. The year also saw the production of two new video works, one for the 56th Venice Biennale and one for WERK/ KUNST/WERK in Kassel, Germany. In 2022/23  Dadson established the Breath of Weather Collective – commissioned for Te Tuhi Contemporary Art Trust’s exhibition Huarere : Weather Eye, Weather Ear, in association with World Weather Network – to undertake a one year climate change recording project Kōea o Tāwhirimātea: Weather Choir.

Dadson lives and works in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand.

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  • January Music (paper, hand, ink, eye, wind)
    January Music (paper, hand, ink, eye, wind), January 2014

    India inks on 31 sheets of Japanese paper

    760 x 1020 mm each

    January Music (paper, hand, ink, eye, wind)
    January Music (paper, hand, ink, eye, wind), January 2014

    India inks on 31 sheets of Japanese paper

    760 x 1020 mm each

  • DrumSing (From Scratch)
    DrumSing (From Scratch), 1983-84
    DrumSing (From Scratch)
    DrumSing (From Scratch), 1983-84
  • Drumwheel (From Scratch)
    Drumwheel (From Scratch), 1978
    Drumwheel (From Scratch)
    Drumwheel (From Scratch), 1978
  • Headstamp 11 (Silk Route Rites)
    Headstamp 11 (Silk Route Rites), 2011

    Video still

    Preview on VIMEO →

    Headstamp 11 (Silk Route Rites)
    Headstamp 11 (Silk Route Rites), 2011

    Video still

    Preview on VIMEO →

  • Desert Tomb (Atacama)
    Desert Tomb (Atacama), 2014

    Single channel digital video
    Duration 20:38
    Video still

    Desert Tomb (Atacama)
    Desert Tomb (Atacama), 2014

    Single channel digital video
    Duration 20:38
    Video still

  • Fate of Things to Come (a conference of stones)
    Fate of Things to Come (a conference of stones), 2013

    Detail of three channel synchronised digital video and sound installation
    Duration 9:48
    Video still
    Preview on VIMEO →

    Fate of Things to Come (a conference of stones)
    Fate of Things to Come (a conference of stones), 2013

    Detail of three channel synchronised digital video and sound installation
    Duration 9:48
    Video still
    Preview on VIMEO →

  • Portal 3
    Portal 3, 2018

    Acrylic and Indian inks on Kraft paper

    1190 X 2400mm

    Portal 3
    Portal 3, 2018

    Acrylic and Indian inks on Kraft paper

    1190 X 2400mm

  • Gloop-spring-string-drum
    Gloop-spring-string-drum, 2008

    Performance with original instrument

    Gloop-spring-string-drum
    Gloop-spring-string-drum, 2008

    Performance with original instrument

  • Uncharted Crossing
    Uncharted Crossing, 1989

    Installation view

    Preview on VIMEO →

    Uncharted Crossing
    Uncharted Crossing, 1989

    Installation view

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  • Urban Devas
    Urban Devas, 2010

    Dance performance collaboration

    Auckland, New Zealand

    Urban Devas
    Urban Devas, 2010

    Dance performance collaboration

    Auckland, New Zealand

  • Urban Devas
    Urban Devas , 2010

    Dance performance collaboration

    Auckland, New Zealand

    Urban Devas
    Urban Devas , 2010

    Dance performance collaboration

    Auckland, New Zealand

  • Octet
    Octet, 2014

    Eight channel sound sculpture

     

    Octet
    Octet, 2014

    Eight channel sound sculpture

     

  • Footstep Hocket
    Footstep Hocket, 1990

    Thirty-six screen video wall
    Preview on VIMEO →

    Footstep Hocket
    Footstep Hocket, 1990

    Thirty-six screen video wall
    Preview on VIMEO →

  • Compass of Frailty
    Compass of Frailty, 2014/2015

    Single channel (3-in-1 screen) video/audio
    Duration: 9 minutes
    Video still
    Preview on VIMEO →

    Compass of Frailty
    Compass of Frailty, 2014/2015

    Single channel (3-in-1 screen) video/audio
    Duration: 9 minutes
    Video still
    Preview on VIMEO →

  • Anatomia Sonora da Camera
    Anatomia Sonora da Camera, 2015

    Single Channel video/audio
    Duration: 18 Minutes
    Edition of 7
    Video Still
    ​Preview on VIMEO →

    Anatomia Sonora da Camera
    Anatomia Sonora da Camera, 2015

    Single Channel video/audio
    Duration: 18 Minutes
    Edition of 7
    Video Still
    ​Preview on VIMEO →

  • Terra Incognita (Polar Projects)
    Terra Incognita (Polar Projects), 2006

    Preview on VIMEO →

    Terra Incognita (Polar Projects)
    Terra Incognita (Polar Projects), 2006

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  • Heavy Metal (Schmidtsche Schack Factory Percussion Ensemble)
    Heavy Metal (Schmidtsche Schack Factory Percussion Ensemble), 2015

    2- Channel sychronised digital video/audio

    Duration: 16 Minutes

    Edition of 5

    Video still

    Preview on VIMEO →

    Heavy Metal (Schmidtsche Schack Factory Percussion Ensemble)
    Heavy Metal (Schmidtsche Schack Factory Percussion Ensemble), 2015

    2- Channel sychronised digital video/audio

    Duration: 16 Minutes

    Edition of 5

    Video still

    Preview on VIMEO →

  • Footstep Hocket
    Footstep Hocket, 1990

    Thirty-six screen video wall
    Preview on VIMEO →

    Footstep Hocket
    Footstep Hocket, 1990

    Thirty-six screen video wall
    Preview on VIMEO →

  • Between Worlds
    Between Worlds, 2011

    Single Channel Digital Video
    Duration: 10:30 minutes
    Edition of 3
    Still of video
    Preview on VIMEO →

    Between Worlds
    Between Worlds, 2011

    Single Channel Digital Video
    Duration: 10:30 minutes
    Edition of 3
    Still of video
    Preview on VIMEO →

  • Between Worlds
    Between Worlds, 2011

    Single Channel Digital Video
    Duration: 10:30 minutes
    Edition of 3
    Still of video
    Preview on VIMEO →

    Between Worlds
    Between Worlds, 2011

    Single Channel Digital Video
    Duration: 10:30 minutes
    Edition of 3
    Still of video
    Preview on VIMEO →

  • Beachsweep (purposeless work series)
    Beachsweep (purposeless work series), 1970
    Beachsweep (purposeless work series)
    Beachsweep (purposeless work series), 1970
  • Portal 1
    Portal 1, 2016

    Acrylic and Indian inks on Kraft paper

    900 X 2970mm

    Portal 1
    Portal 1, 2016

    Acrylic and Indian inks on Kraft paper

    900 X 2970mm

  • February Music
    February Music, 2015

    Installation view, Trish Clark Gallery, 2015

    February Music
    February Music, 2015

    Installation view, Trish Clark Gallery, 2015

  • Pacific 3,2,1,Zero (From Scratch)
    Pacific 3,2,1,Zero (From Scratch), 1982
    Pacific 3,2,1,Zero (From Scratch)
    Pacific 3,2,1,Zero (From Scratch), 1982
  • Arid Edge (Atacama)
    Arid Edge (Atacama), 2014

    Single Channel Digital Video
    Duration: 7:09 minutes
    Edition of 5
    Video still
    Preview on VIMEO →

    Arid Edge (Atacama)
    Arid Edge (Atacama), 2014

    Single Channel Digital Video
    Duration: 7:09 minutes
    Edition of 5
    Video still
    Preview on VIMEO →

  • Flutter (Polar Projects)
    Flutter (Polar Projects), 2003

    Installation view at Adam Art Gallery

    Wellington, New Zealand

    Preview on VIMEO →

     

    Flutter (Polar Projects)
    Flutter (Polar Projects), 2003

    Installation view at Adam Art Gallery

    Wellington, New Zealand

    Preview on VIMEO →

     

  • Gung Ho 1,2,3D (From Scratch)
    Gung Ho 1,2,3D (From Scratch), 1980
    Gung Ho 1,2,3D (From Scratch)
    Gung Ho 1,2,3D (From Scratch), 1980
  • Global Hockets (From Scratch)
    Global Hockets (From Scratch), 1998

    Preview on VIMEO →

    Global Hockets (From Scratch)
    Global Hockets (From Scratch), 1998

    Preview on VIMEO →

  • Fate of Things to Come
    Fate of Things to Come, 2013

    Detail of three channel synchronised digital video and sound installation
    Duration 9:48
    Video still
    Preview on VIMEO →

    Fate of Things to Come
    Fate of Things to Come, 2013

    Detail of three channel synchronised digital video and sound installation
    Duration 9:48
    Video still
    Preview on VIMEO →

  • Resonance 2
    Resonance 2, 1994

    Single channel video
    Duration: 22:47 minutes
    Edition of 3
    Preview on VIMEO →

    Resonance 2
    Resonance 2, 1994

    Single channel video
    Duration: 22:47 minutes
    Edition of 3
    Preview on VIMEO →

  • Fate of Things to Come (a conference of stones)
    Fate of Things to Come (a conference of stones), 2013

    Detail of three channel synchronised digital video and sound installation
    Duration 9:48
    Video still
    Preview on VIMEO →

    Fate of Things to Come (a conference of stones)
    Fate of Things to Come (a conference of stones), 2013

    Detail of three channel synchronised digital video and sound installation
    Duration 9:48
    Video still
    Preview on VIMEO →

  • Triad#4
    Triad#4, 1981

    Video ex-super 8 and slides

    Triad#4
    Triad#4, 1981

    Video ex-super 8 and slides

  • Blood & Bone
    Blood & Bone, 1971

    Performance at B.Lett Galleries

    Blood & Bone
    Blood & Bone, 1971

    Performance at B.Lett Galleries

  • Echo Logo (Polar Projects)
    Echo Logo (Polar Projects), 2004

    Video installation at The Walters Prize 2006, Auckland Art Gallery, New Zealand

    Preview on VIMEO →

    Echo Logo (Polar Projects)
    Echo Logo (Polar Projects), 2004

    Video installation at The Walters Prize 2006, Auckland Art Gallery, New Zealand

    Preview on VIMEO →

  • March Music 1-31
    March Music 1-31, 2016

    mixed media: paint, ink, wax, burn and smoke marks on paper

    March Music 1-31
    March Music 1-31, 2016

    mixed media: paint, ink, wax, burn and smoke marks on paper

  • From Scratch Reviewed: The re-percussions of a hocket in a pocket
    From Scratch Reviewed: The re-percussions of a hocket in a pocket

    Review of From Scratch at Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery, by Graham Reid

    11 March 2018

     

    View article online


  • Three men, three shows: Joy and heartache from start to Finn
    Three men, three shows: Joy and heartache from start to Finn

    New Zealand Herald, article by Simon Wilson

    28 February 2018

     

    View article online


  • Dadson at Headlands
    Dadson at Headlands

    EyeContact, review by John Hurrell

    30 October 2017

     

    View article online


  • In conversation: Phil Dadson of From Scratch and Immi Paterson-Harkness
    In conversation: Phil Dadson of From Scratch and Immi Paterson-Harkness

    Pantograph Punch, interview by Immi Paterson-Harkness

    May 2016

     

    View article online


  • Rich Phil Dadson Survey
    Rich Phil Dadson Survey

    EyeContact, review by John Hurrell

    7 July 2014

     

    View article online


  • Phil Dadson | Parallel Harmonies
    Phil Dadson | Parallel Harmonies

    Circuit, review by Lance Pearce

    9 September 2014

     

    View article online


  • New Rhythms from a Private Universe
    New Rhythms from a Private Universe

    Eyeline Contemporary Visual Arts 62, essay by Andrew Clifford

    Summer 2006/2007


    Download PDF
  • HEAR SEE HEAR - An Interview with Philip Dadson
    HEAR SEE HEAR - An Interview with Philip Dadson

    Illusions Magazine 37 – NZ Moving Image and Performing Arts Criticism, Interview by Martin Rumsby

    Winter 2005


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  • Camera Actions: Film and video in the work of Philip Dadson
    Camera Actions: Film and video in the work of Philip Dadson

    Exhibition Catalogue; New Zealand Film Archive, Wellington, New Zealand, essay by Christina Barton.

    February 2005


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  • DadSonImage - Tapping the Pulse: Philip Dadson Works 1971 – 2004
    DadSonImage - Tapping the Pulse: Philip Dadson Works 1971 – 2004

    Illusions Magazine 37 – NZ Moving Image and Performing Arts Criticism, article by Lawrence McDonald

    Winter 2005


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  • Phil Dadson: Piano/Forté
    Phil Dadson: Piano/Forté

    Exhibition Catalogue, Robert McDougall Art Gallery, Christchurch, New Zealand

    October – November 2005


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  • Philip Dadson: Polar Projects
    Philip Dadson: Polar Projects

    Exhibition Catalogue, essay by Andrew Clifford

    Gus Fisher Gallery, Auckland, New Zealand

    September – November 2004


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  • From Scratch: 273 Moons
    From Scratch: 273 Moons

    Music in New Zealand Magazine, essay by Sarah Shieff and Wystan Curnow

    Spring 1995


  • The Heroic Impulse: From Scratch in 1990
    The Heroic Impulse: From Scratch in 1990

    Music in New Zealand Magazine, article by Sarah Frykberg

    Summer 1990/1991


  • FROM SCRATCH press release
    FROM SCRATCH press release

    6 April 1984


    Download PDF
  • gung ho 1, 2, 3D
    gung ho 1, 2, 3D

    Composers Association of New Zealand, review by Peter Crowe

    Volume 5, Number 16, November 1983


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  • FROM SCRATCH perform RHYTHM WORKS
    FROM SCRATCH perform RHYTHM WORKS

    The 3rd Sydney Biennale Exhibition Poster

    1982


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  • Up to Scratch
    Up to Scratch

    NZ Listener, article by Frank Stark

    November 6, 1982

     

    Enquire at NZ Listener


  • FROM SCRATCH Rhythm Works from Auckland, New Zealand
    FROM SCRATCH Rhythm Works from Auckland, New Zealand

    Tour Catalogue

    1979


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  • Project Programme 11: Philip Dadson
    Project Programme 11: Philip Dadson

    Auckland City Art Gallery Quarterly 64, article by Philip Dadson

    May 1977


    Download PDF
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    Shop smaller scale works

  • From Scratch: 555 Moons at City Gallery Wellington

    New Zealand's best known and most original art/music ensemble is celebrated in, and founder Phil Dadson reflects on, the survey exhibition 'From Scratch: 555 Moons' at City Gallery Wellington

    2019


    Watch online →
  • Phil Dadson: Fulbright-Wallace Arts Trust Award

    Phil speaks to RNZ about his plans for the fellowship and revisits some highlights from his long and varied career

    September, 2015


    Listen online →
  • From Scratch: GUNG HO 1, 2, 3

    Performance excerpt originally filmed in 1980 for the TVNZ arts programme Kaleidoscope

    1980


    Watch online →
  • Groundswell – The Rise of Avant Garde Art in the 1970’s

    Phil Dadson and Natasha Conland discuss the visual art scene in 1970’s Auckland on RNZ’s Standing Room Only

    December, 2018


    Listen online →
  • From Scratch: 546 Moons

    Phil Dadson, Andrew Clifford and From Scratch members discuss the From Scratch survey exhibition at Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery

    March, 2018


    Watch online →
  • Phil Dadson: Sonics from Scratch; Dadson discusses a lifetime making art, captured in a feature documentary

    Phil Dadson and Emma Smith discuss the documentary Phil Dadson: Sonics from Scratch and Phil’s lifetime of adventures in sound

    July, 2015


    Listen online →
  • CIRCUIT: Artists in Conversation #1 – Phil Dadson and Sean Kerr

    Dadson in discussion with Sean Kerr about intermedia practice in New Zealand and the From Scratch exhibition '546 Moons' at Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery

    March, 2018


    Listen online →
  • 'How living in a Pacific Rim community informs my work'

    Phil Dadson interview with Edward Schocker during his Headlands Art Centre Residency, Sausalito, California

    2016


    Watch online →
  • Five Rhythm Works by From Scratch

    RNZ's Nick Bollinger reviews an album reissue from pioneers From Scratch

    March, 2016


    Listen online →
  • From Scratch: Heart'Heart Performance Series Sampler

    Performances at Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery, Auckland Arts Festival

    March, 2018


    Watch online →
  • Phil Dadson and Tom Nunn performing at Turquoise Yantra Grotto

    Masters of invention

    June, 2016


    Watch online →
  • Shiver Me Timbres: solo performances in a building-cum-instrument

    Performed during Dadson’s residency at the Headlands Art Centre, Sausalito, California

    2016


    Watch online →
  • From Scratch: Carhorn Hocket

    Eight car live sound performance in Civic Square, Wellington on the opening day of the ‘From Scratch: 555 Moons’ exhibition at City Gallery Wellington

    17 November, 2018


    Watch online →
  • PHIL DADSON | Elemental
    February 10 — March 29, 2018
    PHIL DADSON | Elemental

    Solo exhibition

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  • PHIL DADSON | Sound Anatomy
    August 16 — September 18, 2015
    PHIL DADSON | Sound Anatomy

    Solo exhibition

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  • PHIL DADSON | Parallel Harmonies
    June 27 — July 25, 2014
    PHIL DADSON | Parallel Harmonies

    Solo exhibition

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  • P_R_O_C_E_S_S_
    November 16 — December 21, 2018
    P_R_O_C_E_S_S_

    Galia Amsel | Stephen Bambury | Stella Brennan | Phil Dadson | John Edgar | Jennifer French | Brendon Leung | Anthony McCall | Kazu Nakagawa

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  • Dec 13 — Jan 28, 2016
    "taking stock"

    Stephen Bambury | Ann Shelton | Phil Dadson | Anthony McCall | Kazu Nakagawa | Galia Amsel | Chris-Corson Scott | John Edgar | Marie Shannon | Vincent Ward | Heather Straka | Jennifer French

    Explore more →

 

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