Show Of Treasures Mark Diamond Jubilee

Show Of Treasures Mark Diamond Jubilee

A rich sequence of images captures the flavour of Elam School of Fine Arts in an exhibition celebrating the 60 years since the School joined The University of Auckland, which opens this week.

Elam School of Fine Arts literally rose from the ashes after a dramatic fire destroyed its predecessor the Elam School of Art overnight in 1949.

The new entity established in 1950 became part of The University of Auckland and enabled students to graduate with a diploma – thus elevating its academic status to a “special school” within the University.

Rock On, curated by Richard Wolfe, an Elam alumnus, uncovers wonderful images of academic activity, buildings, parties and gatherings of past and present.

“Rock On, is the first of a series of exhibitions concentrating on a graphic timeline showing the major events over the 60 years. It is a show of treasures — including remarkable images of old university processions, Elam students in their get-up and floats — a slice of social history,” says Richard.

Hundreds of projected images, drawn from the archives of the Fine Arts Library and submitted by past and present students, document the changing face of Elam from 1950.

Head of School, Professor Jonathan Mane-Wheoki, notes “Over the past six decades, Elam has constantly reinforced its position as the pre-eminent art school in New Zealand whose staff and graduates figure prominently in New Zealand art history and continue to make an impact on the contemporary art scene.”

Also celebrating the anniversary of Elam’s inclusion into the University are a number of public panel discussions presenting aspects of the School’s character including new movements in sculpture and film; three generations of painting at Elam; and art-music connections.

Public Programme

New movements in sculpture and film at Elam Curator Richard Wolfe chats with past and present Elam staff and students Leon Narbey, Phil Dadson and Christine Hellyar Elam lecture theatre, Elam School of Fine Arts, 20 Whitaker Place Followed by the Anniversary Toast at projectspace B431 at 3pm – join us for a celebratory glass of wine.

2pm Saturday 17 July

Radio with pictures Curator, critic and self-styled music aficionado Andrew Clifford leads a discussion of art-music connections and unearths a roll-call of Elam’s noisier graduate projects, from Split Enz and the Suburban Reptiles to the Mint Chicks. projectspace B431, Elam School of Fine Arts, 20 Whitaker Place

5:30pm Thursday 22 July

Three generations of painting Head of Elam School of Fine Arts,Jonathan Mane-Wheoki discusses Elam's history of painting with Don Binney, Denys Watkins and Sarah Hughes. Elam lecture theatre, Elam School of Fine Arts, 20 Whitaker Place

2pm Saturday 24 July

ENDS

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