Unique Fundraiser Creates Space for Objects

Unique Fundraiser Creates Space for Objects

MEDIA RELEASE

One of the New Zealand art world’s best-kept secrets is about to go public. Over the weekend of 22 / 23 November design and craft gallery-in-waiting, Objectspace, will open the doors of its inaugural fundraiser to collectors, critics and the simply curious.

The exhibition, in the new Starkwhite Gallery in Karangahape Road’s emerging art precinct, has been curated for Objectspace by two leading figures in the sector -Moyra Elliot (ceramicist, exhibition curator and freelance writer) and Douglas Lloyd Jenkins (design historian curator, writer, lecturer and television presenter).

The exhibition features major pieces by some of New Zealand’s best objectmakers, including internationally recognised figures such as Warwick Freeman (jeweller and recipient of the prestigious international François van den Bosch award), Humphrey Ikin, John Parker, David Trubridge and Anne Robinson. All works are for sale: all commission goes to Objectspace and the balance will go to the objectmakers.

The fundraising exhibition is the first step in Objectspace’s plans to establish a public place in Auckland where jewellery, ceramics, glass, furniture, textiles and all other forms of object-based art can be the pure focus of attention.

“It's an opportunity for patrons and collectors to support a great cause by acquiring key works by many of New Zealand's finest objectmakers,” says Starkwhite’s John McCormack, who is leading Objectspace’s fundraising drive.

“Humphrey Ikin, for instance, is one of the 2003 Laureates announced recently by the Arts Foundation of New Zealand. He joins 2002 Laureate Warwick Freeman in this very special group of art stars.

“The curators have assembled a must-see exhibition for all those with an interest in craft and design and in particular for collectors. Some of the objectmakers have dipped into their private collections to provide works that would not normally be on the market. This is a chance to secure major early works by some of these artists.”

Objectspace will focus on the practice of objectmaking. It will provide a public gallery for exhibitions, events and projects that celebrate the depth and breadth of New Zealand contemporary craft and design and will bring the work of our most exciting designers and makers to the public’s attention

“The Objectspace project is for everyone involved or interested in craft and design — those who make, collect, buy and utilise works in a wide variety of media,” says Warwick Freemen, Objectspace Chair. “Its aim is to provide objectmaking with a permanent home in Auckland - a new space dedicated to presenting the best of objectmaking, past and present along with the leading edge work that will shape and define the future direction of objectmaking in New Zealand.”

The exhibition will be presented at Starkwhite (510 Karangahape Road) on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November.

ENDS

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