Replicating Genius: Impressionism 1874

Replicating Genius: Impressionism 1874
November 11-16, 2016
Gus Fisher Gallery
74 Shortland Street, Auckland, 1010

A copy is never really a copy, but rather a new original.
-Boris Groys

For the first time in over 140 years, works by Cezanne, Degas, Monet and others will be exhibited together in a partial recreation of the first Impressionist exhibition from 1874. What makes this even more unique is that the works displayed will be replicas of the originals.

Unlike the Rembrandt Rem astered Project that uses digital prints, these hand-made replicas allow visitors to see paint rise above the canvas. New Zealand and overseas artists have painstakingly recreated original paintings including I m pression, Sunrise and A Modern Olympia, works that have never before lived outside of France.

Traveling to see original works in person is a costly venture both in money and time, but replicas make the art more accessible, particularly works held in private collections. This exhibition looks to educate and entertain those who do not have the means to travel the world viewing art. This is done in part by using videos instead of traditional wall texts, providing background information for each painting.

This exhibition is the brainchild of University of Auckland Master of Arts student Nathaniel Dunn, who has spent the past year researching replicas and their role in art. After the initial Auckland run, Impressionism 1874 will tour New Zealand in limited engagements.

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