Sculpture OnShore biennial exhibition returns for 2012

‘The year of the menagerie’ – NZ Sculpture OnShore biennial exhibition returns for 2012

Playful showcase of the best of New Zealand art to delight and inspire; in support of New Zealand Women’s Refuge

05 November, AUCKLAND: New Zealand Sculpture OnShore, one of New Zealand’s premier outdoor sculpture biennale, will captivate visitors with a playful and whimsical ‘menagerie’ of creatures on show from 8-18 November at Fort Takapuna in Auckland.

One third of this year’s sculptures involve all manner of creatures large and small; from a life-sized elephant to a cloud of microscopic virus particles, there are schooling eels, a bell bird, sheep, a vulture, a whale, bugs and stick insects, boxing and running hares, giant bird eggs, a snake charmer, gulls, frogs, aliens, domestic garden birds, kiwi, swamp creatures, a sea lion, a bull, Chihuahuas, a birdman and a dog-man, to name a few.

Exhibition curator Rob Garrett says, “This year’s fanciful collection of creatures suits the easy-going nature of the site and the sense of ease and well-being that pervades the North Shore.”

“Each year the delightful creativity of artists imposes an unexpected or at least unplanned flavour on this biennial exhibition. No curatorial theme is given to the artists and no creative limitations are set.”

Offering something for everyone, the 2012 exhibition presents a diverse snapshot of current New Zealand art practice, with a variety of forms and themes, alongside the charming menagerie.
Proudly supporting New Zealand Women’s Refuge, NZ Sculpture OnShore has a dual aim to present the best contemporary art the country has to offer and support the needs of New Zealand’s women and children seeking refuge from harm.

NZ Sculpture OnShore’s dual purpose is reflected in the juxtaposition of artworks, which have the ability to both enchant and challenge. There are works that speak to the heart and mind in deeper and questioning ways, and those with beauty intended to delight and inspire visitors.

Increasingly playing host to site-specific artworks, the historical Fort Takapuna location has become a powerful source of inspiration for many of the exhibiting artists, including well-known faces such as Charlotte Fisher, Paul Hartigan, Gregor Kregar, Peter Lange and Paora Toi Te Rangiuaia, showing work alongside a carefully selected group of new and emerging talent.

110 artists from all over the country have been selected to exhibit works on the basis of their own interests and ideas. Dozens have devised new creative projects that respond to and reflect the many human stories associated with the cliff-top heritage park.

All works are available for purchase, and all proceeds will be donated in support of New Zealand Women’s Refuge.

Rob Garrett continues, “Some artists I have selected this year have found profoundly moving ways to connect us to the social ills that continue to make the work of New Zealand Women’s Refuges pressing and beneficial.

“In 2010 such works provided rich talking points for a diverse and inquisitive audience, and we expect this year’s exhibition will provide an equally rich spectrum of experiences.”

NZ Sculpture OnShore is a highlight on the national events calendar, and draws visitors from not just Auckland, but all over New Zealand and internationally. 18,000 visitors passed through the exhibition in 2010, with 40% of attendees admitting that they do not normally visit art galleries.
This year’s showcase is focused on making art fun and accessible to all ages, and a comprehensive education programme will run throughout the exhibition, with many local schools already lining up to take part.

Tickets for NZ Sculpture OnShore are available through www.eventfinder.co.nz.

ENDS
About NZ Sculpture OnShore
The works of over 100 New Zealand artists are on public view and for sale during the 12-day exhibition at Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve – 8-18 November.
NZ Sculpture OnShore Ltd is wholly owned by Friends of Women's Refuges, a charitable trust, which was formed in 1995 to raise funds for the support of New Zealand Women's Refuge. Including $150,000 from the 2008 exhibition, NZ Sculpture OnShore has been able to donate over $1.2 million dollars to help victims of family violence.
Website: http://www.nzsculptureonshore.co.nz/
Sponsors
NZ Sculpture OnShore is grateful for the assistance of its sponsors including Auckland Council, Hesketh Henry, Harcourts Cooper & Co, APN – The New Zealand Herald, The NZ Listener and Newstalk ZB.

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