Monumental Bronze Sculpture Exhibition

World-- Leading Artist Set To ‘Captivate ’ With Monumental Bronze Sculpture Exhibition

Four giant monumental bronze sculptures created by internationally renowned artist, Mackenzie Thorpe, are set to stir emotions when unveiled in Christchurch this week. (Saturday 5 May 2007)

The sculptures: ‘On the bench’, ‘Skipping’, ‘Lean on love’ and ‘Falling in love’ will be on display, for just the second time in the world, in the Christchurch Arts Centre grounds from Saturday (5 May 2007), with one sculpture featuring in the new Dyslexia Discovery Experience at 21 Worcester Boulevard - the world’s first permanent exhibition dedicated to dyslexia.

Each masterpiece stands up to 15 feet high, weighs around 500kg and is limited to just seven editions. These works symbolize the special bond of love and friendship, to the importance of self-reflection and individual triumphs.

The Dyslexia Foundation of New Zealand, The Cookie Munchers Charitable Trust and Fisher Galleries have combined forces to bring the Mackenzie Thorpe exhibition to New Zealand.

Mackenzie Thorpe, who is dyslexic, is one of Britain’s most collectable and best-loved contemporary artists. Twenty-five of his original pastels, created solely for sale here, will be on display at Fisher’s Gallery in Victoria Street, Christchurch from this Thursday (3 May 2007) A collection of Thorpe’s etchings and sculptures will also be on show.

Fisher Galleries Director Simon Fisher says Thorpe’s pastels have been created specifically for the New Zealand market and very seldom does a gallery get to exhibit his original works especially on this scale.

“All Mackenzie Thorpe’s artwork, including his four monumental sculptures, are available for sale and we’re anticipating a lot of interest from art enthusiasts, dealers and collectors. Prices range from round $2,000 for an etching to up to $250,000 for a bronze sculpture”.

Guy Pope-Mayell, Managing Trustee of The Dyslexia Foundation of New Zealand says it’s an honour to have someone of Mackenzie’s calibre throw his efforts into helping raise awareness of the plight of over 70,000 children here who struggle with dyslexia.”

Returning contemporary art to “the street,” motivates Thorpe whose international exhibitions have raised more than $US 500,000 for children’s charities throughout the world. A percentage of proceeds from this exhibition will go to The Dyslexia Foundation of New Zealand.

Both the new Dyslexia Discovery Exhibit and the MacKenzie Thorpe monumental bronze sculpture tour are expected to draw significant crowds.

Christchurch Arts Centre Director Tony Paine says to host exhibitions of this calibre in the heart of the city gives the cultural precinct an extra dimension and we expect a huge amount of visitor interest.
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For further information about Mackenzie Thorpe’s exhibition, or to arrange an interview, contact Simon Fisher at Fisher Galleries on (03) 3796718. www.mackenziethorpe.com; www.fishersfinearts.co.nz
For information about The Dyslexia Foundation of New Zealand and Dyslexia Discovery Experience contact foundation managing trustee Guy Pope-Mayell 0275449496, or John McKenzie of enthuse Ltd. 021 384 730, (03) 3847338 www.dyslexiafoundation.org.nz

Editors notes:
 MacKenzie Thorpe’s 25 original collection of pastels etchings and small scale sculptures will also be on display at Fisher’s Gallery in Wellington from 24 May 2007.
 Fisher Galleries will be hosting children’s art workshops at Fisher’s Gallery on Victoria St, Christchurch on Tuesday 1st May and Wednesday 2nd May where Mackenzie Thorpe will be working with children to create artwork which will be exhibited as part of his world-wide tour.

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