New Exhibitions At ROAR Gallery

Exhibition 1: Score Extra Life! Sam Broad

Exhibition 2: Out of Space Charles Cunningham 11-22nd November 2004 Preview Thursday 11th November Where: ROAR! gallery 22 Vivian Street Wellington When : 10-23rd May 2004 Contact: Melissa Young Ph 385 7602 W-F 10-2pm

Exhibition 1: Score Extra Life! Sam Broad With this show I am delving deeper into traditional folk-art motifs by exploring the image of the Tree of Life. One of the magical trees in the Garden of Eden, it is also a strong non-Christian archetype. Yggdrasil the rowan tree of the Norse embraced heaven, hell and Midgard. The Cabalah and the tarot directly refer to a universal tree. Locally, Tane was the god of the forest, who tore apart Rangi and Papa and thus created the world as we know it. I’ve filled my trees with birds galore as New Zealand used to be. I’ve turned the trunks and limbs into valves, laboratory glasses, power pylons and cities. The show is about exploring new turf – being a parent and reappraising where you are. I’m using new techniques and tools and taking a rougher, deconstructive approach.

Exhibition 2: Out of Space Charles Cunningham Art is an integral part of Charles’ world. Through his exploration of shapes, textures and various mediums, he is still in the process of discovering who he is and how far he can go. As he showed me some of his works, I couldn’t help but be taken by his courage to tackle everything from abstract to portraits and vast, complex works to tiny, beautifully delicate painted tiles. “I get excited about shapes,” he enthused, pointing to a picture on the far wall, a vibrantly colourful array of angles and spheres, “I try to secure different patterns and shapes and colours. I was into circles and lines and seeing how far I could go with them, it was quite amazing.” From what I’ve seen of his work, and the reaction of those who help run Pablos Art Studio, I doubt whether it will be too long before the public is treated to the wonderfully vibrant, alive and dynamic results of Charles’ efforts. He is a man who not only uses his art to work through personal questions but also continues to find fun, excitement and endless possibilities in his ability to draw and create.

© Scoop Media