Art seen: July 2

''10x10 Birthday Exhibition'' (Gallery De Novo)

This month, Gallery De Novo is celebrating its 10th birthday with an exciting group exhibition.

The gallery has invited its collective of artists to each contribute a 10x10-inch work especially for the occasion, and the resulting collection shows the outstanding variety of artists Gallery De Novo now represents.

Over 60 works make up the final display, presented over a single ''wonderwall'' grid.

A handful of international artists are among the New Zealand nationals, many of whom regular visitors to Gallery De Novo will be able to identify.

There is then, of course, a wealth of local artists, including Ewan McDougall, with his gleaming stick figures, harbour landscapes by Pauline Bellamy, Nic Dempster's patchwork of houses, and a flower-adorned figure by Suzy Platt to name just a few.

This is a simple concept that collectively celebrates the creation and enjoyment of art.

The minimalism of the premise has allowed for each artist to imbue their own character in small statement pieces that are gratifying to see in the group.

Primarily functioning as a dealer gallery, Gallery De Novo's birthday exhibition also provides a unique opportunity for art lovers to purchase a smaller and therefore more affordable piece by both prominent and emerging artists.


 

“For Luck”, by Zina Swanson
“For Luck”, by Zina Swanson

''For Luck'', Zina Swanson (Dunedin Public Art Gallery)

Zina Swanson has been based in Dunedin since moving here in 2013 as the Francis Hodgkins Fellow.

If you saw the solo exhibition that came of her fellowship, ''No Need For Water'', you will be familiar with her meticulous and delicate art practice that brings together natural and man-made forms and objects.

Her solo installation exhibition, ''For Luck'', now on at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, sees the artist continue her exploration of natural and unnatural forms.

''For Luck'' is the result of Swanson's ruminations on rituals and superstitions associated with luck and fortune.

Artefacts of nature that are commonly believed to bestow luck - wishbones, a bamboo plant, a dandelion, thistle seeds and a pressed four-leaf clover- have been found by Swanson and placed in the space.

Swanson has a fine eye for detail and has located these delicate objects in a large, carefully constructed site-specific installation.

Like the mock-up spaces from furniture or home fittings stores, the entire installation has been created like a staged room.

Two walls and an elevated floor are carefully tiled. Along one wall Swanson hangs a series of drawings that also reference luck or fortune rituals.

Swanson's ''For Luck'' encourages contemplation of our own ritualistic practices, as well as the rituals of the artist in creation.


 

“Big Boat at Port Chalmers”, by Philip Maxwell
“Big Boat at Port Chalmers”, by Philip Maxwell

''Port Collective'' (Mint Gallery)

Five Port Chalmers-based artists are now exhibiting at Mint Gallery under the apt title ''Port Collective''.

Although working across a variety of mediums, the exhibited works shows the artists' shared inspiration and passion for the area they work in.

Icons and images unique to Port Chalmers are found in each artist's works.

Andrew Nikkel's black-and-white photographs have a unique depth that highlights how landscapes, trees and structures frame further scenes in our vision.

Upper Harbour from Pulling Point, a large-scale print by Manu Berry, also explores the landscape, mirroring waves of the harbour with a rolling mountain backdrop.

Robert Scott paints landscapes, streets and people in bright acrylics on board.

His paintings are intriguingly unique with distinct narratives, one showing a characterful farmhouse, one a mysterious room of masked figures, and another showing two children entering an ominous cave.

Ceramics by Dave Sharp and paintings by Philip Maxwell present perhaps the most recognisable icons from the area, as they both re-create the ships that regularly call into the port.

Port Chalmers is known for its thriving arts community, and this exhibition is a welcome opportunity to see a gathering of these creative souls in a central location.

 

by Samantha McKegg 

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