Christchurch artist’s tribute to his cherished city

Press Release

14th June 2011

Christchurch artist’s tribute to his cherished city

Celebrating the beauty of Christchurch in all its former glory is the focus of a new tribute exhibition by local Christchurch artist, Paul Hanrahan. Having just finished a collection of delightful watercolours of the city that lives on its resident’s memories, he will be exhibiting this new work at the Jonathan Grant Galleries opening on Thursday16th June, to help raise money for the Christchurch Earthquake Fund.

Inspired by a series of sketches the artist did in his youth around the city, the watercolours are lively and capture the places, spaces and architecture of Christchurch , which have been forever changed in the wake of the February 22nd earthquake. A key aspect of his work is the inclusion of people which bring his paintings energy and life. The residents of Christchurch are captured shopping at Cashel Street Mall, discovering the delights of the Arts Centre markets and visiting the cities iconic landmarks, including the Christchurch Cathedral.

“These early drawings inspired me to record in watercolour the city I love, and at the same time I reminisced on hearing the crunch of autumn leaves underfoot whilst walking in Hagley Park , passing enthusiasts with their gleaming model yachts on the Victoria Lake whilst smelling the aroma of breads wafting from the Arts Centre bakery” says Hanrahan. “If these paintings can revive the fond emotions and memories that others and I have for the Christchurch that I remember, then I will feel that I have done something”.

This wonderful tribute to Christchurch will be on at Jonathan Grant Gallery , 280 Parnell Rd , Parnell, Opening June 16th, exhibition from June 17th to July 12th 2011.

ENDS

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