Four fine artists display their heritage at Artstation

Four Elam fine arts students investigate their personal heritage through ‘art in ID’, an exhibition at the Artstation Gallery from 14 September to 2 October.

The artists Ben Dawes, Maryann Pennington, Rochelle Stebbings and Karaha Te Hira are part of Elam’s Te Toi Hou department and use sculpture, painting, video and installation to communicate the concept of identity.

Ben Dawe’s freestanding screen is made from glass panels. The traditional function of the screen is denied as the dresser behind the screen can be seen. Viewing becomes a voyeuristic experience.

Maryann Pennington’s work ‘Devotion’ uses truncated trees as symbols of memory, change and hope. The logs are repeatedly layered and nailed with cable wiring, a fetishist act which the artist describes as a way to carve out her own landscape.

Rochelle Stebbings’ ‘Multiple Cuts’ series explores patterns and icons often associated with ethnicity. Brightly coloured plastic lei and lavalava fabric are amalgamated with ribbon and roses in Stebbings’ wallpapers to create a delicate material space filled with memory, ancestry and imagination.

Karaha Te Hira’s background in performing arts is reflected in his painting, photography and video work, which encompasses movement as a key element. Te Hira uses the Maori word ira, which means life principle, gene, gender and particle to provide a key theme in his exploration of ancestry, identity, place and creativity.

ID exhibition information: Artists: Ben Dawes, Maryann Pennington, Rochelle Stebbings, Karaha Te Hira Exhibition: 14 September – 2 October 2004 Opening: 5 – 7pm, Tuesday 14 September 2004

Artstation, Auckland City’s community visual arts facility, is located at the old police barracks at 1 Ponsonby Rd, Newton. It is easy to get to by public transport with the Link’s ‘Artstation’ bus stop right outside.

For more information please contact Artstation on: Phone: (09) 376 3221 Email: artstation@aucklandcity.govt.nz Web address: www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/artstation Artstation Gallery Hours: Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm Sat 10am to 4pm

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