Gallery features new print works that explore New Zealand’s social and political environment
Whanganui artist and print-maker Anthony Davies is in town for the opening of his first solo exhibition in Whakatāne, “As the Situation Unfolds”, and artist floor talk, both being at held this weekend at Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi — Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre.
Davies’s latest exhibition presents a selection of two series of print works, Closing the Gap and Aotearoa (2010/2011), which reference New Zealand’s social and cultural complexities through thought-provoking imagery and print subjects. The artist is primarily interested in how people live their lives – the complexities of the environment around us – and believes “people should be aware of what’s going on in the world.”
The artist will lead a gallery talk at 11 am on Sunday, 10 December, commenting on modern-day transitions “from the horrific to the trivial.” Davies will offer insight into his works and practice on display, reiterating emotional and public response to recent socio-political events in New Zealand. The event is free and open to all.
Anthony Davies was born in Wales in 1947 and studied at the Winchester School and Royal College of Art. He was awarded the Prix de Rome and was made a fellow of the British School in Rome. In 1994, he arrived in New Zealand as Artist in Residence at Elam School of Fine Art. In 2002, he founded the Hotspur Studio in Aramoho, Whanganui and has lived and worked in New Zealand since 2007.
“As the Situation Unfolds” will open alongside Mataraupō by Tangimoe Clay, from 4 pm this Saturday, 9 December. Members of the public are invited to meet the artist at the opening ceremony, with special guests Kaikarakia - Ringatū and Nándor Tánczos, Councillor for Whakatāne District Council. Whakatāne Museum and Arts’ latest exhibitions will be officially open to the public from 10 December and run until 11 February 2018.
Find out more about this exhibition on the Whakatāne Museum website »