Rodney Kennedy

Rodney Kennedy lived in Dunedin. After studying art he worked as an illustrator at the University of Otago Medical School. He was a founding member of W.H.Allen and Bob Field's avant garde art group, the Six and Four Club, associated with the Dunedin School of Art.

In a close relationship with Toss Woollaston from 1932, Kennedy supported the exhibition of Woollaston's art. Later also Colin McCahon, Anne Hamblett and Doris Lusk.

Kennedy became interested in theatre eventually becoming drama tutor at the University of Otago in 1948, and directing at Dunedin's Globe Theatre after 1971.

Forming a relationship with writer and editor Charles Brasch, from the late 1940s, the couple collected art including Colin McCahon's 'Otago Penisular' (1989) and cultivated modern drama in Dunedin.

"Recognised as a man of the theatre and a striking personality, his role in shaping thought about art was less obvious. He exercised influence by imperious commands, withering comment and a shrewd and passionate advocacy, seeing merit where others doubted it. The rest of New Zealand has since caught up with him." ~ Peter Entwisle.

See also biography on Te Ara Encyclopaedia of New Zealand.