Necessary Distraction: A Painting Show opens this weekend

Necessary Distraction: A Painting Show opens this weekend at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Necessary Distraction: A Painting Show opens this Saturday 28 November at the Gallery and includes more than 100 paintings by artists from across the country. Entry to the exhibition is free.

Auckland Art Gallery Curator, Contemporary Art, Natasha Conland, says it is a timely moment for the exhibition which examines new directions that have emerged in New Zealand painting over the last five years.

‘We want to re-introduce the public to contemporary painting on a significant scale, to explore new definitions of painting today and see how the art form operates in this image-saturated world we live in,’ she says.

The temporary walls in the gallery space are unclad and unpainted to contrast with the vibrant paintings on display making for a dynamic environment. The unique exhibition design echoes the feeling of speculation expressed in the artworks.

Auckland Art Gallery Director Rhana Devenport says Necessary Distraction shows the Gallery’s commitment to research contemporary New Zealand art.

‘It offers a fresh lens on the art of our time and place,’ she says.

Artist Kirstin Carlin has created artworks inspired by pieces in Auckland Art Gallery’s collection and, in collaboration with Carlin, artist Emma Fits has further interpreted the artworks onto fabric.

Artist Simon Ingram will paint a wall in the exhibition space using a purpose designed and built machine, which will only exist for the duration of the exhibition.

During the course of the exhibition, musician Rosy Parlane will make and install a sound work as a collaborative response to artist Jeena Shin’s installation.

The exhibition is curated by Auckland Art Gallery Curator, Contemporary Art, Natasha Conland following a series of curatorial workshops with Abby Cunnane, Ben Curnow, Allan Smith and Auckland Art Gallery Principal Curator Dr Zara Stanhope.

Exhibition details:

Necessary Distraction: A Painting Show

When: Saturday 28 November 2015 – Monday 28 March 2016
10am to 5pm daily except Christmas Day

Where: Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
Corner Wellesley and Kitchener Streets
Auckland CBD

Entry is free

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