Wellingtonians first to view new Michel Tuffery whale print
Wellingtonians will be the first to view leading New Zealand artist Michel Tuffery’s striking screenprint Tangaroa Sanctuary, Mana Island when it is launched by the Minister of Conservation, Hon. Dr Nick Smith at the Solander Gallery in the capital on the
evening of May 6.
Michel Tuffery has kindly donated his print, which is centred on a whale theme, to raise funds for the National Whale
Centre Development Trust. This is the fifth in an ongoing series of artist prints with a cetacean theme to aid the
Trust’s cause – the establishment of the National Whale Centre on the Picton foreshore.
The New Zealand born artist, who has a Samoan, Rarotongan and Tahitian heritage, is passionate about conservation of the
environment and his works often focus on the Pacific Island marine environment. Tuffery’s art features in major public
and private collections globally.
Limited edition copies of the print will be available initially for individual sale with all proceeds going to the Whale
Centre Trust.
“We are delighted to offer Michel’s vibrant print as part of the series. We are indebted to him for his generosity and
enthusiasm for the project which we believe will significantly benefit the South Island and New Zealand as a whole,”
says project director Luit Bieringa.
Bieringa says the Trust is also honoured that the South Island-born Minister of Conservation has taken such an interest
in the project and will launch the print.
“As MP for Nelson and an ardent supporter of conservation projects, Dr Smith appreciates the importance of the National
Whale Centre to marine conservation and economic development in Marlborough. The Trust is hugely grateful for his
support.”
Tuffery’s print will be part of a portfolio of works by some of New Zealand’s and one of Australia’s most important
image makers including Dick Frizzell, Greg O’Brien, John Walsh, John Pule (already released), Fiona Hall, and two others
still to be confirmed.
The prints are available from Paper Graphica, Christchurch, the Gow Langsford Gallery, Auckland, the Diversion Gallery,
Picton, Solander Gallery or Bowen Galleries in Wellington – a geographical spread of galleries to reflect the Trust’s
national focus.
The NWC aims to tell the story of New Zealand’s whaling history in the Marlborough Sounds as well as current whale and
dolphin (cetaceans) conservation efforts through information, research and exhibition programmes. The Trust aims to
build an interactive space near the Picton foreshore for visitors to learn more about cetaceans and the local area’s
whaling history.
After the release of individual prints over the next year, each artist will receive a full set for their own collection,
with a portfolio of 8-10 prints being offered to the public.
ends