Aoraki students prepare for exhibition

Aoraki students prepare for exhibition

Kaleidoscope: A Visual Breakthrough is a showcase of work by the art students from Ashburton Aoraki Polytechnic. From traditional drawing, painting and printmaking to contemporary illustration and mixed media, the exhibition presents a kaleidoscopic mix of materials, techniques and concepts.

Kaleidoscope features work from the Diploma in Painting and the Diploma in Arts and Media courses, as well as a selection from the introductory art studies students. With a focus on creative exploration and development, students have responded to set projects as well as pursuing their own artistic interests. The student body at Ashburton is an eclectic mix of ages, backgrounds and interests, which leads to a fertile and supportive creative environment. This exhibition is an exciting chance to see the work of up and coming local artists, and get a glimpse into new directions in the art world.

This exhibition is a great learning experience for the students; they will have the opportunity to take part behind the scenes during the installation of the show. They will see their work take form on the Gallery walls, and be able to celebrate their achievements, as friends and family admire their work at the preview opening.

The Aoraki student exhibition will open on Saturday 12th November 1:30pm at the Ashburton Art Gallery, all welcome.

SELECTED ARTIST PROFILES

Julia Mansel

With an interest in the arts since childhood, Julia originally put her creativity on hold for a working agricultural life. Inspired by the environment around her, Julia started working in the craft of wool felting, producing large landscapes. She successfully sold and exhibited these locally and abroad before arthritis caused her to take a different artistic direction. Julia enrolled at Aoraki Polytechnic in Ashburton, completing an introductory art course before embarking on the Diploma of Painting. After exploring a range of painting approaches and styles, Julia has been developing her personal work in acrylics. Focused on the buildings of Ashburton, Julia’s current work aims to draw attention to the built environment around us, both old and new, as well as highlighting the importance of the preservation of heritage buildings. Inspired by Abstraction and elements of Cubism, Julia has developed a quirky, individual and contemporary painting style which presents a fresh perspective of the town around us.

Struan McGregor

Struan McGregor began his artistic life with his mum’s lipstick on the wallpaper of his childhood home. Since then art has been a key aspect of his life, and Struan drew and painted alongside a career in banking and real estate. He worked closely with the Ashburton Arts Society, exhibiting each year in the annual show, and took on the role of president for two terms. When a health crisis led him to reassess his life and priorities, Struan decided to focus fully on his artistic career and began studying towards an arts degree. Currently in his second year of the Arts and Media Diploma, Struan continues to explore his love of painting and portraiture. Skilled in using a range of media, Struan is drawn to exploring the many layers of human nature and the complexity of people’s lives.

ENDS