Light, Sound, Movement!

Light, Sound, Movement!
Len Lye
Presented by Telecom New Zealand Ltd
24 August - 24 November 2002
Admission Free

His celebrated films - full of energy, colour and light - are screened regularly on MTV Europe, and his large kinetic sculptures captivate viewers with their entrancing movement and loud sounds. Len Lye (1901 - 1980) was a revolutionary New Zealand artist who only now is becoming recognised as one of the 20th century's most dynamic and influential creators. His work in sculpture, film and photography are celebrated in a major new exhibition of his art, opening this weekend at City Gallery Wellington.

City Gallery Wellington is the first New Zealand venue for Len Lye, organised to mark the centenary of the artist's birth by the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney and Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, New Plymouth. It comes to the capital after extremely popular showings in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Len Lye features 18 of his ground-breaking short films, photograms of colleagues (including Le Corbusier, WH Auden and Georgia O'Keefe) and, of course, Lye's stunning moving sculptures. Three additional kinetic sculptures have been added especially for the City Gallery exhibition.

"This is a great opportunity for Wellington audiences to experience such a large collection of Len Lye's work," says Paula Savage, Director of City Gallery Wellington. "Lye was ahead of his time in so many ways, and visitors will be amazed at how powerful and contemporary these artworks still are. His sculptures are extremely popular with children and families, and we're particularly pleased to be able to show six of these imposing works."

Also showing throughout the day in the gallery are the documentaries Doodlin': Impressions of Len Lye; and Flip and Two Twisters. A range of events is planned to coincide with the exhibition, including a lecture series, and performances by dance group Strident and jazz group C L Bob. Check local newspapers and the Gallery website for more information: www.city-gallery.org.nz.

This exhibition comes at a time when interest in Len Lye is particularly high, both in New Zealand and overseas. A prototype is underway for Water Whirler, a three storey high sculpture, planned for the Wellington waterfront. Roger Horrocks' Len Lye biography has raised awareness of this extraordinary New Zealander, and an opera, CD and limited edition art book, are currently in production. A major exhibition of Len Lye's work was held in Paris in 2000.

Len Lye is presented by Telecom New Zealand Ltd. A joint exhibition between the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, supported by the Len Lye Foundation. Len Lye Foundation is supported by the Technix Group. Exhibition generously supported by Radio Active. Events principal sponsor: Montana Wines Ltd

City Gallery Wellington is managed by the Wellington Museums Trust with major funding from the Wellington City Council.

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