Zara Dolan

Zara Dolan (b.1985 Ireland) is an award winning printmaker based in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Her current series of work involves unique single edition monotype prints created on a traditional printmaking press, which has been customised for the artist and is currently the largest printing press in use in Aotearoa New Zealand.  

Dolan’s work presents a dynamic energy - a suspended moment of lively animation. Drawing on abstract expressionism; the artist's mark making is direct and intuitive, mediated by the application of colour. It is Dolan’s intention, through her role as intermediary, that emotive action achieves form. 

Dolan’s practice hinges on the process-driven nature of monotype printing. The works materialise the very moment before the printing takes place; the artist applying multiple layers of ink onto the printing plate followed by a subtractive process of removing ink from its surface. Once rolled, the image transfers unable to be recreated, which makes every print unique. Each work is titled to encapsulate their creative voyage; reflecting the HEX colour code, press cycles, and tools used within their artistic amalgamation.

Dolan completed her Masters in Fine Arts at the University of Canterbury (ILAM) in 2021. She previously studied a BA (Honours) Degree in Fine Arts at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff. In 2024 Dolan was the winner of the Merit Award for Printmaking with the New Zealand Painting and Printmaking Awards, presented by the Waikato Society of Arts.

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