Christchurch Art Gallery Previews New Collections
While most of us have to sit tight for another couple of weeks to see the brand new collection galleries at Christchurch Art Gallery, Mayor Bob Parker has been enjoying a sneak preview ahead of the official launch.
Last
week, the Mayor and Mayoress Joanna-Nicholls-Parker were
treated to a tour of the collection galleries by Senior
Curator Justin Paton, in the final countdown to the
completion of Brought to Light: A New View of the
Collection.
The 40-minute tour included a walk through
the new reshaped galleries and full commentary on how the
space is to be used and where each of the works will be
displayed.
This is the first refreshment of the
spaces since the gallery opened almost seven years ago and
Mr Parker says an incredible job has been done of
revitalising the spaces to create a more versatile gallery
floor.
“Staff at Christchurch Art Gallery have been
working flat out over the past four months to bring Brought
to Light together. From the curators to the painters and
plasterers, there is a real sense of energy from all those
involved in the project,’’ he says.
“The first
thing that strikes you as you move from room to room is the
sense of space, complemented by the grand ceiling heights.
This exhibition is going to provide much brighter open
spaces that will characterise the works of art on display.
“So much goes on behind the scenes of an art
gallery, but it’s usually only the final exhibition that
the public gets to see. The online blog for Brought to Light
and the LCD screens outside the galleries have allowed the
public to view what has been happening behind the closed
doors and watch this incredible transformation
unfold.”
To celebrate the launch of Brought to Light
on Saturday 28 November, Christchurch Art Gallery will be
holding a number of events over the opening weekend. These
include an introduction by Gallery Director Jenny Harper, a
tour of the exhibition with the curatorial team and a look
at paintings and objects relating to the expatriate
experience by art historian Julie King.
Other special
guests include Fiona Pardington, Robin White, Jonathan
Mane-Wheoki and Mary Kisler. Families can also take part in
an activity trail on the way around the
exhibition.
“I have no doubt that this exhibition is
going to be extraordinary and a real testament to all those
involved in making it happen,” says Mr Parker.
Brought to Light: A New View of the Collection opens
to the public at 10am on Saturday 28 November. Admission
free. To find out more, visit http://http://www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz
ENDS