Father’s Day at Paper-Works: Art for the Dads Who Have Everything

Father’s Day is this Sunday, and while socks, whisky and gadgets might be the usual go-to gifts, we think there’s another option worth considering: art.

For the dad who already has everything, a work of art is something a little more lasting. It can reflect the things he enjoys, the places he loves, or simply be something that makes him stop and look. At Paper-Works, we’ve put together a selection of works by some of our much-loved male artists – from bold and irreverent New Zealand imagery to coastal landscapes, quirky sculpture and works with a distinctly individual character.

For the dad with a sense of humour

Few New Zealand artists bring wit and personality to their work quite like Dick Frizzell. From his instantly recognisable visual language to his titles, Frizzell's work has an irreverent quality that makes it particularly well-suited to a Father’s Day selection. His work is unmistakably New Zealand but never takes itself too seriously, making it a great choice for the dad who appreciates art with a bit of personality.

For the dad who likes things with a story

Matt Moriarty brings a different kind of energy. With works including Helvetiki, Seven Fins and Instant Iwi, Moriarty’s practice has a distinctive contemporary character, drawing on recognisable forms and ideas and giving them a fresh visual treatment. These are works that reward a closer look and could make an intriguing addition to the collection of a dad who likes his art with a little edge.

For the dad who'd rather be on the water

If Father's Day brings to mind fishing trips, boats, surfing and weekends spent outdoors, Jake Hassells is a natural fit. Hassells’ works have a wonderful sense of nostalgia and playfulness, with his fish and racing-inspired imagery bringing together two enduring passions: the water and motorsport. Works such as The Brabham King Hulmefish, The W196 Von Behr Trout, The Bowater Cooper Wrasse and The Mako Spa Nosey Sharker make for an especially fun Father’s Day proposition – art for the dad who can talk for hours about fishing, cars or both.

For the Hawke’s Bay dad

Sometimes the perfect gift is a place he already knows and loves. Andy King’s landscapes capture many of the places and experiences that make Hawke’s Bay special, from Te Awanga and Waimārama to Cape Kidnappers and the wider landscape. Big Boys, Te Awanga Surfer, Tuki Bait and Te Awanga Beach all bring a strong sense of place and outdoor life to the selection. For a dad with a connection to the region, a work depicting a familiar landscape can be much more than something to hang on a wall – it can be a reminder of somewhere that matters.

For the adventurous dad

For the dad who is happiest outdoors, works by Euan Macleod offer something altogether more atmospheric. His work immediately evokes movement, landscape and adventure. Macleod’s work has an intensity that makes it particularly compelling in person, and these pieces offer a more contemplative choice for the adventurous art lover.

For the dad who loves the Hawke’s Bay landscape

Another option for the local dad is the photography of Richard Brimer. With works depicting places including Te Mata Peak, Cape Kidnappers, the Tukituki and Ocean Beach, Brimer’s photographs celebrate the landscapes that surround us. They offer a quieter, more timeless approach to Father’s Day – particularly for someone who has a strong connection to Hawke’s Bay and its landscape.

For the dad who likes something unexpected

And then there are the works that simply make you look twice. From Michael Hawksworth’s Exhaust Modelling series to Sheyne Tuffery’s distinctive Pacific and New Zealand-inspired works, there are plenty of options for the dad who isn't necessarily looking for traditional landscape painting. Because ultimately, there’s no such thing as a typical art lover – and there’s no such thing as a typical dad.

Give him something he'll keep

A bottle of wine is enjoyed and gone. A gadget eventually gets replaced. A pair of socks… well, you know how that story ends. A work of art is different. Whether it’s a piece that reminds him of a favourite place, reflects a lifelong interest, makes him laugh, or simply catches his eye, art has a way of becoming part of a home – and part of the story of the people who live there.

This Father’s Day, discover something a little more unexpected at Paper-Works. Visit the gallery or explore our collection online to find a work for the dad in your life.

Father’s Day is Sunday 6 September 2026.