A total of 18 pieces by Aaron Kereopa will be presented in his fourth annual show at Toi o Tahuna Fine Art Gallery on Friday, in what is was described by manager Mark Moran as the biggest exhibition at the Church Lane gallery this year.
"Aaron Kereopa's work stands out for its intricate Polynesian designs and bold texturing of colour.
Using surfboard foam blanks as his medium and substituting knife and scalpel in the place of chisel and hammer, and paint in the place of varnish, Aaron's work fuses ideas of traditional Whakairo - the art of carving - with a contemporary art practice."
The artist was inspired to use the novel medium when he saw a foam blank carved with an anti-nuclear protest message by fellow surfer Kevin Barker, following an anti-nuclear protest sparked by the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior in 1985.
Prices range from $2500 to $8000.
The untitled exhibition will run until Wednesday, September 1.
A preview with the artist in attendance will be held on Friday at 5.30pm.
