South Pacific brought to life

South Pacific brought to life

Artist talk by Bruce Foster, Gregory O’Brien and Elizabeth Thomson

The Kermadec region in the South Pacific will be brought to life at the Gallery next week. In conjunction with our current exhibition on display, Keremadec-Lines in the Ocean, we will be hosting a joint artist talk on Wednesday 22 June at 11am by three New Zealand artists who travelled to the Kermadec region. We are thrilled to have the presence of celebrated New Zealand artists Bruce Foster, Gregory O’Brien and Elizabeth Thomson at the Gallery who will share with the local community their experiences on Raoul Island and what they encountered on their week long voyage to one of the last great ocean wilderness areas on the planet. They will give you an insight into how this experience is reflected in the art they made in response to this trip.

Bruce Foster is a notable photographer in New Zealand who emerged in the 1970s. His colour photographs are focused on the New Zealand coastline, with a dialogue between the natural and the human-made. Gregory O'Brien is based in Wellington and has a cross-disciplinary practice as a poet, essayist, painter, anthologist and curator. His work made in response to the Kermadec Islands are a combination of poems and paintings. Elizabeth Thomson is a sculptor/installation artist, her work often engages imaginatively with the Pacific region and has a strong scientific reference. “While at sea on HMNZS Otago, the vastness of the sea was incredible. Once on Raoul, however, it was the smallest details of life on the island which made the strongest impression.” Says Elizabeth Thomson.

The artists will be joined by Bronwen Golder, Director of the Pew Charitable Trusts Globa; Ocean Legacy. Join us for this special morning talk of engaging observations and stories by these artists. This talk is free of charge and all are welcome to attend. Following the talk a light lunch will be provided and you will also have the opportunity to talk informally with the artists.

This exhibition supported by the Pew Environment Group. Toured by Exhibition Services.

END

© Scoop Media