Christchurch Art Gallery exhibits latest collected

Gallery exhibits latest collected works

Collect: New Acquisitions is a showcase of an eclectic selection of noteworthy additions to the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu's permanent collections since 2004.

Opening this Friday (8 June), the exhibition provides an exciting first glimpse at the latest acquisitions which have been purchased, gifted or bequeathed to the Gallery, including works by Ann Shelton, Andrew Drummond, Milan Mrkusich, Miranda Parkes, Reuben Paterson and Ani O'Neill.

The Gallery has a policy to collect important works of art that enhance and build on its permanent collections, says acting Gallery Director Blair Jackson.

"This is in line with the Gallery's Vision of educating, inspiring discovery and preserving the legacy of artistic achievement for the people of Canterbury and New Zealand through collecting, presenting, interpreting and conserving quality works of art."

He says the works are acquired through various means. "There is an annual allocated budget to purchase artworks which are selected by members of an acquisitions team on which sits the Director, Visitor Experience Manager and curatorial team.

"Works are identified and recommended for acquisition after having been assessed by a specialist conservator, the registrar and the Programmes and Education Team Leader."

Mr Jackson says artworks are also received as gifts, bequests and donations.

The Friends of the Christchurch Art Gallery have recently given three major works to the Gallery:

* Tony de Lautour's Underworld 2 - one of his largest paintings to date and a key work from his recent series.
* Ronnie van Hout's mixed media sculpture Ersatz (Sick Child).
* Toss Woollaston's 1952 painting Greymouth with Tower.

Since 2004, works by Margaret Dawson, Bill Culbert, Laurence Aberhart, Anne Noble, Mark Adams, Len Wesney and Peter Peryer have been acquired for the photography collection. Highlights are a 19th century portrait of Ana Rupene and her daughter Huria by the Foy Brothers of Thames and a close-up portrait of painter Tony Fomison by Mark Adams
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Also on display will be John Pule's suite of 12 lithographs titled Restless Spirit (2000) in which excerpts from his novel The Shark that ate the Sun unfold alongside his imagery.

Most New Zealanders aged over 30 will recognise Eileen Mayo's collection of 18 gouache paintings from her Rare and Endangered Birds of New Zealand series commissioned by W. Gregg and Co in 1976. These cards came free with packets of Gregg's jelly crystals.

Collect: New Acquisitions will be on display at Christchurch Art Gallery from 8 June to 1 July 2007.

ENDS

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