Local art tutor prepares for exhibition

Local art tutor prepares for exhibition

Michael Armstrong is an established artist and art tutor in New Zealand, having exhibited his work for over 42 years. He has been the judge of various art competitions and been the recipient of many awards too. In 2010 Armstrong won the Heartland Sculpture Competition, he has been short-listed for the 2009 James Wallace Fulbright Scholarship, and was also awarded the Frances Hodgkins Fellowship at the University of Otago in 1984.

The Ashburton Art Gallery are home to several of Armstrong’s sculptural pieces and works on paper. “For many years there was a strong sculptural component in my work, but since 2003 I have found that painting has been a clearer and faster means of expressing my ideas.” Armstrong states

Armstrong’s latest body of work which is due to open at the Ashburton Art Gallery on 14 July is of recent paintings from a much longer series of works with a political and satirical background that look at contemporary social and political changes around the challenges to democracy from corporate power. The exhibition, Balance examines the individual motives behind the desire for power, and the desire to use money to buy power and how this affects the majority who have little power in the equation.

Michael Armstrong will be presenting a brief artist’s talk at the exhibition opening on Saturday 14 July 1:30pm, and present an informal and more in depth floor talk on Wednesday 15 August 6pm.

Balance is available for viewing from 14 July – 26 August 2012.

ENDS

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