Gold fever

Poll Tax (2012), an oil, metal leaf, collage and shellac on art board piece, is one of 14 artworks by Arrowtown artist Jenny Mehrtens on display in "Miners' Gold", her debut exhibition for Amisfield Winery from Monday.

"Living and working as I do near the historic Chinese miners' village snuggled along the rugged yet beautiful Arrow River into Arrowtown, I became interested in what it would have been like for the miners and others involved in gold mining here 150 years ago," the Dunedin-born artist said.

"The plight and look of the Chinese miners fascinated me, so far from home in such a tough and hostile environment.

"Their expressions and clothing are a compelling subject. I had to paint them to better get to know them."

The show coincides with celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the discovery of gold in Arrowtown and runs until November 5.

 

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