Manukau’s Vessel And Sculpture Exhibition

CREATIVY GALORE IN MANUKAU’S VESSEL AND SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

A feast for lovers of art and craft awaits at Manukau’s third Vessel and Sculpture Exhibition which was officially opened by The Mayor of Manukau, Sir Barry Curtis, at the Nathan Homestead on Sunday 5th November.

The Exhibition and Awards, one of Manukau City Council’s arts initiatives to foster art and craft in the city, have developed into a major national craft event featuring artists from all over New Zealand.

The Judge was Helen Schamroth, a well known fibre artist and printmaker with wide experience in teaching, curating and judging exhibitions.

Ms Schamroth observed, “There is a range of exhibits from professionals to new artists ‘having a go’. The works that reached my short list seemed to insist I revisit them. They were works with panache, soul and humour which were not trying too hard.”

Ms Schamroth chose a construction entitled ‘Fill’ by Sean Kerrigan, a Manukau resident artist, as the major award winner. His construction, a bizarre and funky work made of discarded plastic objects and painted with day glo paints also contains a serious social commentary on the nature of the throw away society.

The judge commented, “This piece put a smile on my face. Although the work has an earnest intent it is presented in a light hearted fashion”. Sean Kerrigan won a cash prize of $2500 for his efforts.

Ms Schamroth was also very impressed with Taradale artist Gaeleen Morley’s ‘pair of jaunty teapots’ and North Shore artist Peter Collis’ ‘large well formed signature vessel’. They both received the merit awards.

The Judge made three commendations for pieces which caught her eye and provided food for thought.

These included: Pair of Love Chairs by Gael Baldock, Reclining Woman by Jim Ling Zhang, and Pontiac by Peter Sauerbier.

Sauerbier’s exhibit, a reassembled piece from recycled parts, struck Ms Schamroth as definitely a work which took the theme ‘precious objects’ into consideration.

Ms Schamroth says it is important that inclusive exhibitions like this one continue to happen and she commends Manukau for continuing the tradition.

The Exhibition at Nathan Homestead, the Manurewa Community Arts Centre, runs till December 3rd.

ENDS

For further information and photos of exhibits contact:

John Daly-Peoples
630 2048
jdp@ihug.co.nz

Sean Kerrigan
Ph 272 2958

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