Based in Ōtepoti Dunedin, Ed works across sculpture and installation, creating spatial, intuitive works that examine the invisible infrastructures shaping contemporary life. His practice is often responsive to specific sites and contexts, drawing attention to how built environments and social systems influence the ways we move and understand the world around us.
Ed completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts (Hons) at the Dunedin School of Art in 2017 and was a founder and co-facilitator of ARI Laurel and Favour (2018–2022). His recent exhibitions include:
→ Century fire (CoCA Toi Moroki, Ōtautahi Christchurch, 2025)
→ Soda Ash (Blue Oyster Art Project Space, Ōtepoti Dunedin, 2023)
→ Central heating (Dunedin Public Art Gallery, 2021)
→ heat transfers (Blue Oyster Art Project Space, 2021)
→ Lay in Measures (Enjoy Contemporary, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, 2021)
→ Hush Swarms (Hot lunch, Ōtautahi Christchurch, 2020)
→ Console Whispers (Blue Oyster Art Project Space, 2019)
On being awarded the residency, Ed says:
“I’m super excited to be awarded the Iris Fisher Artist Studio Residency. Dedicated and supported studio time is such a rare gift to be given and I can’t wait to spend it in Tāmaki Makaurau, hopefully building some relationships while I’m there.”
Te Tuhi Curator Suzy Park notes:
“Ritchie’s intuitive, site-specific approach stands to benefit greatly from being situated in Pakuranga, particularly as he is unfamiliar with the context of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. We believe this opportunity will serve as a meaningful turning point in Ritchie’s artistic trajectory. It will enable him to connect with new communities and contexts, and to participate in a broader artistic conversation that could shape the next phase of his work.”
Stephen Fisher, on behalf of the Lou and Iris Fisher Charitable Trust, commented: “It’s incredibly meaningful to see the Iris Fisher Artist Studio Residency come to life. Iris believed deeply in supporting emerging artists and creating opportunities for them to grow. Her commitment to creating opportunities – whether through awards, scholarships, or her involvement in community arts – has always been about enabling others to thrive. We’re delighted to support Ritchie as the inaugural recipient, and we look forward to seeing how this programme continues to nurture artists in the years ahead.”
About the Iris Fisher Artist Studio Residency
The Iris Fisher Artist Studio Residency is a three-month programme hosted in Te Tuhi’s Papatūnga Artist Studio. Designed for emerging artists or collectives, the residency supports practice development rather than exhibition outcomes – offering dedicated time, space and guidance to test ideas, take risks and build new connections.
Residents receive:
→ Use of the Papatūnga Artist Studio
→ A $15,000 living-wage stipend
→ Mentorship and curatorial support from Te Tuhi
→ Access to workshops, networks and studio resources
Honouring the legacy of Iris Fisher
The residency builds on the remarkable generosity of Iris Fisher, an early champion of contemporary art in East Auckland. Iris spent decades creating pathways for emerging artists – from founding the Pakuranga Arts Society to establishing the Iris Fisher Art Awards and supporting grassroots arts initiatives across the region.
In 2025, the Lou and Iris Fisher Charitable Trust expanded this legacy, committing to a three-year programme that triples the support previously offered through the former Iris Fisher Scholarship. This investment reflects values that defined Iris’s life: community, creative opportunity, and building the conditions for artists to thrive.
Te Tuhi warmly acknowledges the Fisher family for their generosity, vision and enduring dedication to nurturing new artistic talent in Aotearoa.