Gelber LuftBallon (Dunedin Research Project)
Shane McGrath
Exhibition Preview: Tuesday 23 April at 5.30pm
Exhibition runs: Wednesday 24 April - 25 May 2013
Gelber LuftBallon (Dunedin Research Project) is a series of new work created by Melbourne-based artist Shane McGrath.
McGrath’s practice has used rockets, planes and zeppelins in his practice as metaphors for escapism, exploration, memory
and tragedy. For this series McGrath has been investigating the public debates around Dunedin’s proposed wharf hotel
development. McGrath sees the issue as one that concerns the city as a whole, which has the potential to impact
dramatically on the city's future.
During the public submissions process there were calls for an on-site, tethered balloon to be used as an indication as
to how tall the hotel would be. Using this suggestion as an entry point for his investigation, McGrath will launch a
balloon near the proposed site on Monday 15 April. In this context the balloon is not only a practical object for
measuring height, but also references times of conflict (barrage balloons) which were designed to allay fears of attack
and also an indicate that the city was under attack.
Gelber LuftBallon is not a didactic work or a protest, but simply a catalyst to encourage debate and add to the ongoing
dialogue. The results and ephemera of the research project and balloon launch will form the core of the exhibition at
the Blue Oyster which opens on Tuesday 23 April.
Shane McGrath has a BFA and an MFA from Massey University. In 2011 he was commissioned by City Gallery Wellington to
create a permanent sculpture in Wellington’s Glover Park as a part of the The Obstinate Object exhibition. He is
represented by Bartley and Company, Wellington.
For further information or images please contact director@blueoyster.org.nz
ENDS