2001 Prophet

Dibble’s artwork often examined aesthetics and stories from the European "old country" relocated in the New Zealand context. It is part of an interest in the effect of displacement; when placed in a new country how stories change and adapt with the new lands own cultural currents. Often the stories he portrays have a sort of double meaning; where in their new context they can represent quite a different narrative. Biblical narratives are a welcome source of stories of saviours and miraculous deeds. There have been several artworks whose motifs relate to the Old Testament including Fruits of the Garden (where New Zealand is represented as a last paradisal garden), Exit From the Garden, The Message (the Annunciation) and The Prophet. The Prophet portrays on one hand the story of John the Baptist with his message of the impending coming of Christ. There are four items characterised that within Christianity symbolise the story: the fish a symbol of Christ, the fire that God in which is present, an axe foreshadowing the prophet's death, the spiral / bird a heavenly message. These items also double as a venacular for a New Zealand love of camping and outdoor life (the fish freshly caught, an axe to chop wood for the fire also featured, with a New Zealand kuro (spiral form). The interest in such stories is not from a religious concern but examines the faith, and famous heroes and myths, of the old country re-invented in the South Pacific.