Rieko Woodford-Robinson Exhibition at Arthur's Cafe

November 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wellington Artist launches solo exhibition at Arthur's Cafe in Cuba Street

“Hunters - a way of life”

-An Exhibition by Rieko Woodford-Robinson

Experience classical style paintings within a hunting lodge themed cafe.

Local Wellington artist, Rieko Woodford-Robinson, brings her classical style artwork to Arthur's Cafe on cuba street for the opening of her solo exhibition. Experience the ethereal world of Hunters - a way of life amongst the warm café décor.

Rieko was born in Japan and moved to New Zealand in 1999 where she began exploring her artistic side. Now she lives and works as an artist in Wellington, a city with a vibrant cafe culture. One of the city’s cozy cafes, Arthur's, is hosting Rieko’s latest exhibition ‘Hunters - a way of life’. Set in a two-storey Edwardian building in Cuba St, Arthur’s is reminiscent of a colonial hunting lodge, with its dark amber hues, stag's head, and heavy-set counter.

Rieko always wanted her art work to be exhibited in such an environment with a warm, inviting dining room. “An exhibition is not only about paintings finding homes, but also about people being able to experience the ethereal worlds within each painting. Arthur's has the perfect atmosphere for that”, she says.

Rieko’s works contain perceptions of life. She uses art as a way to communicate, and provides us with an insight to our own lives through the perspective of animals and toys. One assumes when she first came to New Zealand, her poor language skills drove her to discover the art of “unspoken conversation”.

“The very old and much loved soft toys depicted in Rieko's portraits seem to be a little reluctant to reveal their stories, where as her anthropomorphic animals are placed in sceneries that seem to be taken from almost forgotten childhood tales. Her paintings give people a tiny window into the lives of the characters” - minu Reiko's works are influenced by German Illustrator Michael Sowa, the Old Masters of the 17th century such as Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn and early 20th century illustrator Arthur Rackham who was known especially for the illustrations of ‘The Wind in the Willows’ and ‘Alice in Wonderland’. However, elements of Japanese pop-cultural aesthetics such as 'Kawaii' still come through her work, but not without a sense of melancholy and innocence. This fine balance creates humour and pause for thought.

Most of the frames for her paintings have been sourced over the years from antique shops throughout NZ. “Finding rare, interesting frames is a significant part of my work - a frame can inspire the art within it.” Wellingtonians get to look forward to exploring the harmony of a vintage cafe along with Rieko’s classical style art works, including 12 brand new pieces specifically created for this exhibition.

Don’t miss this exciting opening, and the opportunity to meet the artist, a complimentary glass of champagne and exquisite finger food from Arthur's kitchen.

Arthur's Cafe, 272 Cuba St Opening Night Tuesday 12 November, 6.00pm-8.00pm Opening Hours Wednesday 13 November to Friday 8 December from 10am to 10pm.

Free Entry. (NB, closed Mondays and Tuesdays), Price range $190- $1200.

For more information visit www.riekowodfordrobinson.co.nz

ENDS

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