Telecom Prospect 2001 Opening Soon

Telecom Prospect 2001 Opening Soon
12 April - 1 July 2001

A reverse-blowing vacuum cleaner, fifteen rugby balls and hundreds of white crepe paper blossoms are just some of the materials that have been deployed in artworks for a major new exhibition Telecom Prospect 2001 - New Art New Zealand.

The exhibition is a survey of the most innovative artwork produced by 34 New Zealand artists in the last three years, says inaugural curator Lara Strongman. "I've chosen artists who have made, or who are likely to make, a major impact on the thinking and identity of our time."

Senior artists - such as Ralph Hotere, Richard Killeen, Gretchen Albrecht and Bill Hammond - are showing alongside emerging talent, some of whom have never previously shown in a public gallery. Andrew Thomas, a 22 year old Wellington photographic artist, is the youngest contributor. Other exciting younger artists include Kirsty Gregg, Hannah and Aaron Beehre, Michael Parekowhai and Ani O'Neill. The exhibition includes works in a wide variety of media, including painting, sculpture, time-based arts, photography, installation, printmaking, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Artists from as far afield as Invercargill and Russell are featured.

"This inaugural biennial is the beginning of a commitment by City Gallery Wellington to surveying the art scene in New Zealand every two years," says director Paula Savage. "The artworks in Telecom Prospect 2001 are a boisterous breath of fresh air. They will challenge, perplex and entertain visitors, triggering debate on the visual arts in this country. We are delighted to have the generous support of principal sponsor Telecom New Zealand, and our other supporters The Dominion, The Evening Post and Saatchi & Saatchi, for this important project," she says.

"We are proud to support Telecom Prospect 2001, which celebrates the vision and innovation of New Zealand's foremost visual artists," says Chief Executive Officer for Telecom New Zealand Theresa Gattung. "These are the same qualities that Telecom strives for in our field of expertise, and we are pleased to present this vibrant perspective to the wider community."

Principal Sponsor: City Gallery Wellington Foundation Principal Corporate Benefactor Telecom New Zealand. Generously supported by: The Dominion; The Evening Post; Saatchi & Saatchi. City Gallery Wellington is managed by the Wellington Museums Trust with major funding from the Wellington City Council.

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