Two artists, two styles, one show

Paul Smith is pictured with If Only, one of his paintings which will feature in the exhibition, which runs from this Saturday until November 24. Photos: Shelley Topp

The exhibition, Collective Works, by Paul Smith and Rachel Harre, will open in the Arts in Oxford Gallery this Saturday and run until Sunday, November 24.

Woodend Beach artist Rachel Harre with Protection, one of her figurines on a plinth which will feature in Collective Works, a combined exhibition she is holding with Kaiapoi abstract artist Paul Smith at the Arts in Oxford Gallery.

Rachel, who was born in Christchurch but now lives at Woodend Beach, is also a painter, focusing mainly on Canterbury landscapes. However, sculpting in clay has also become a focus and it is her figurines which will feature in this exhibition.

Although Paul and Rachel will be exhibiting different art forms, they believe their work will sit well together in the Arts in Oxford Gallery.

''I believe it will be good together because it is so different,'' Rachel says.

Both artists demonstrate a love of vibrant colours in their work. Paul and Rachel hope the exhibition will attract not only people who already know their work, but newcomers.

Paul's painting style ''starts off quite loose without any subject in mind and the end result is a surprise''.

Rachel's figurines convey a clearer, more personal message.

However, both artists know from experience that each person looking at their work may interpret it differently from how they view it.

Arts in Oxford, at 72 Main Street, Oxford, is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm, except public holidays. It is run as a not-for-profit charitable trust and is staffed by volunteers.