Julian Dashper Blue Circles 15 March - 27 April

Julian Dashper Blue Circles 15 March - 27 April 2003

Cool, hard-edged and immaculate - words that spring to mind when thinking about the work of Julian Dashper. Arguably one of New Zealand's most well-known international artists Dashper brings his exhibition Blue Circles to City Gallery Wellington on 15 March.

An ideas-based artist, Dashper has been exhibiting regularly for the past 20 years both nationally and internationally. Crisp, minimal, and clean in look, Blue Circles contains an underlying sense of play and critique.

The works in Blue Circles include Untitled (Blue CV), 20 clear 12" records, recorded especially for the exhibition in front of Jackson Pollock's famous Blue Poles painting in Canberra, two table top cases containing further archival record covers, a mini drum kit titled Untitled (The Warriors), and a DVD which presents four one hour interviews with the artist 'explaining' his work.

No art snob, Dashper's work frequently subverts the pretences of the art form he works in, by inserting popular culture into it. This has seen him engage in a range of projects from music publishing, through to an exhibition sponsored by the then Auckland Warriors rugby league team. Untitled (The Warriors) 1998, simply comprising of a customised drum kit, pays homage to one of Dashper's passions, while exploring the rivalry between Australia and New Zealand in art, sport and elsewhere.

Julian's work also deals directly with issues of art and being an artist, in particular New Zealand artists and their relationship to wider global art markets and communities. For example Untitled (Interviews) 2001-02, which consists of four different interviews with artist, is intended to overwhelm the viewer with artistic gobbledygook. Here Dashper satirises the intellectual art-speak that often frames much art criticism.

Dashper's work is held in major collections, including the MCA Sydney, and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. Julian Dashper is currently represented by Sue Crockford Gallery in Auckland, Sarah Cottier Gallery in Sydney and the Brooke-Gifford Gallery in Christchurch.

Julian will give an informal floortalk discussing Blue Circles at 2pm on Saturday 15 March at City Gallery. An illustrated 30 page catalogue will also accompany the exhibition, and can be purchased through City Gallery Wellington.

For more information, images and interview inquiries please contact Anna Davidson, Publicist T: 04 801 3959 E: anna.davidson@wcc.govt.nz

City Gallery Wellington is managed by the Wellington Museums Trust with major funding from the Wellington City Council. Events principal sponsor: Montana Wines Ltd.

© Scoop Media