Artists say Frack Off!

Artists say Frack Off!

Following on from the successful FRACKED exhibition in 2012, Graham Kirk is presenting a new collection of works.
This new exhibition FRACK OFF is the response from a number of prominent Taranaki artists, photographers and writers to the expanding oil and gas industry. The collection is being exhibited specifically in time for the petroleum conference planned for New Plymouth in March.

Running through most of March, the exhibition gives participating artists a great opportunity to get right in amongst it, with the exhibition taking in the oil sponsored WOMAD weekend and the Government sponsored Petroleum Conference.
While the oil and gas industry is wooing the public with music and dance and the Government woos the industry in theirmindless pursuit of fossil fuel, Mr Kirk hopes the FRACK OFF exhibition will add to the public’s understanding of the polluting nature of the industry, especially in relation to Hydraulic Fracturing (fracking).
"I've always felt that artists and writers are like first responders in a time of crisis. They sniff out that things aren't right and they can convey that in their art, as they've done in this exhibition. I have to say, they didn't take any persuading. The unease with which they view fracking was almost universal" he said.
"We know this is the wrong path. We don't want earthquakes or a poisoned aquifer. We don't want Taranaki to become an industrialised landscape. We know that we are privileged to live here. When they hold the petroleum conference in New Plymouth in March, it won't be a case of 'business as usual' in the minds of most Taranaki folk."
While the Petroleum Conference is in town, FRACK OFF will offer a series of free public talks, movies and discussions daily at 1 and 7 pm from March 20 to 23. Entitled NOW WE'RE TALKING, guest speakers will share their experience and knowledge of: living in the gas fields; surviving the consequences of big oil; studying the industry and the alternatives; and inspiring change toward sustainable futures.
Mr Kirk adds "If there's one thing that I hope for this exhibition, it's that it might cause people to think twice about what is happening right under our feet and question, is it worth it?"
Opening on March 5, the exhibition runs until March 26 at J D Reid Gallery on Devon Street, New Plymouth. More details atgrahamkirk.com
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