Auckland City Gallery: Simpson Grierson Season

Media Release
7 April 2000

AUCKLAND ART GALLERY LAUNCHES
THE SIMPSON GRIERSON SEASON

The Simpson Grierson Season, which showcases New Zealand’s finest art collection in a seven month programme of exhibitions and events, will be launched at the Auckland Art Gallery tonight.

The Simpson Grierson Season, which runs from April until October 2000, represents a series of milestones – it is the first time that a public art gallery in New Zealand has had its collection displays, across the course of more than six months, named in association with a sponsor. It is also the first time the Auckland Art Gallery has received corporate sponsorship for both a series of exhibitions, as well as a diverse programme of lectures, talks and events surrounding the exhibitions.

Tonight’s launch will unveil the recently acquired Pablo Picasso oil painting, Verre et pichet (glass and pitcher). It is the first Picasso oil painting to enter a New Zealand public collection and is the first time this work has ever been shown in public. Picasso painted Verre et pichet in 1944 during the Battle of Paris. It is placed alongside works by other artists who make personal or political statements about the experience and cruelty of war.

A range of exhibitions and events will take place during The Simpson Grierson Season. These exhibitions include Art at the Beginning of the Century, Toi Tu He Whenua Whatungarongaro he Tangata (the land remains, after the people have gone), Beneath the Surface: McCahon’s materials and techniques, Italian Hours and Another Dimension. The works span 700 years of European art as well as drawing on art from the United States, Australia and New Zealand (including work by Maori and Pacific artists).

The Simpson Grierson Season will culminate with the launch of the Auckland Art Gallery’s new collections publication – The Essential Guide: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki.

“As one of New Zealand’s leading law firms, we are delighted to continue both our support of the arts, and recognition of our valuable relationship with our client, the Auckland City Council,” says Simpson Grierson Chairman Rob Fisher. “We first supported an exhibition at the Auckland Art Gallery 10 years ago, and our partnership over the past decade has gone from strength to strength.”

The Simpson Grierson Season will be launched by Her Worship the Mayor, Christine Fletcher.

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For further information, or a photograph, please contact:
Andrea Parker
Public Relations Manager
Simpson Grierson
Ph: (09) 374 0138 or (025) 573 830

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