Communicating politics through art

Communicating politics through art

She's a political activist, making herself heard through paint, canvas and metal. Award-winning British artist Lucy Bucknall, now a resident of Devonport, opened her New Work exhibition at the Satellite Gallery in central Auckland this week.

Bucknall's work is inspired by the world around her, with particular emphasis on political fallout. New Work reflects modern times and conveys the messages of anti-war and human rights, through painting and sculpture.

"It's about bringing awareness to people about what's going on in the world," says Lucy about her collection. "It's so easy to ignore the TV and ignore the newspapers. But I firmly believe we should be more aware generally, and most importantly more aware about other people.

"Through this exhibition I want to present the human face of the people caught up in the world's politics."

Underpinning the serious themes of her exhibition, is a message of hope; something Lucy believes still exists, even in despairing circumstances. "You've gotta have hope. We have to believe that there's goodness out there and that it's not all bad and that troubles can be solved and people can be helped, especially innocent people."

She says the images may be grim, but it's important to convey the reality of people's lives – she uses the example of one of her paintings of girls covering their ears while their Lebanon school was being bombed last July.

"They're certainly not pretty pictures, but hopefully it tugs at a few mental strings and consciences and gets people off their seats and into action, in any way they can."

Lucy's putting her money where her mouth is, donating 10 per cent of her exhibition proceeds to World Vision. Giving to charity is something she has done for many years.

"I think World Vision does good work – it's an established and recognised aid agency, and it's focused on international help, which I'm passionate about."

Lucy and her husband live in Devonport with their two children, where she works from her home-based studio. She also runs Starting Art classes in her local community.

Exhibition details: LUCY BUCKNALL New Work exhibition, from February 28 – March 11, at Satellite gallery, cnr St Benedicts St and Newton Rd, Auckland.

www.satellitegallery.co.nz

ENDS

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