'Behind the Seen'
Emma Febvre-Richards
8 June - 14 July 2002
360 Programme at the Michael Hirschfeld Gallery
What is a painting - a window into an illusionary 3D space? A piece of portable wall hung on a wall? These are some of
the ideas Emma Febvre-Richards is exploring in her exhibition Behind the Seen, which has just opened at the Michael
Hirschfeld Gallery. And to realise these ideas, she enlisted the help of a number of Wellington specialist firms and
services not normally associated with the business of making art.
In Behind the Seen, she has created a 'second skin' for the Michael Hirschfeld Gallery by constructing large-scale white
plaster cast walls within the walls of the Gallery. Integrated at knee level along the length of the walls are moulded
canvases. "I like the ambiguity this creates, so that you are not sure whether it is a painting, sculpture or an
installation," says Febvre-Richards.
"I am using all the conventional ingredients of painting in this work, such as pigment, support, surface, space, frame,
edges, height and placement. But I'm blurring the boundaries in order to explore the assumptions we make about what a
painting is. At the same time, I'm also exploring the similarities between painting and architecture."
Febvre-Richards worked with staff from Biggins Interiors to make the plaster walls. The project also incorporates
transparent fibreglass panels - again playing on the idea of how paintings reveal other spaces. These panels were made
by Upper Hutt company Almac. Febvre-Richards worked with Rob Uivel, of Human Dynamo, who has worked extensively in
moulding and modelmaking for TV. She also received support and sponsorship from Geoff Oliver at Electropar, Plaster
Warehouse, and Massey University.
Some of the technicians she worked with were used to working with artists and designers but her project posed
challenges, especially for the plaster workers. "I didn't want the plaster forms to have a pristine surface and finish,
and this is what they are used to creating for most of their clients," says Febvre-Richards. "It took some encouragement
for them to let the plaster show its own individuality rather than control it."
Emma Febvre-Richards will give an illustrated talk on Behind the Seen and previous work on Thursday 20 June at 6pm, in
the City Cinema, City Gallery Wellington. Emma Febvre-Richards has been exhibiting her work in the UK, France and New
Zealand since 1990. Her work featured in Practising Beauty, (Michael Hirschfeld Gallery, July - August 2000). Behind the
Seen is presented within the 360 programme - a full perspective on Wellington Art - which is generously sponsored by
Designworks. Generously supported by Montana Wines Ltd and Ruth Pretty Catering. Additional sponsors: Massey University,
Electropar, Plaster Warehouse. City Gallery Wellington is managed by the Wellington Museums Trust with major funding
from the Wellington City Council.
Check out: http://www.city-gallery.org.nz