30upstairs Gallery in association with The Performance Arcade present
THE PERFORMANCE SERIES 2015
A suite of works will be presented at 30upstairs Gallery over 8 days from Friday 20 - Saturday 28 November. The Performance Series 2015 is the first opportunity for audiences to view a selection of the works that will occupy the Wellington cityscape and
waterfront on 2 - 6 March in The Performance Arcade 2016. This includes a sneak preview of Wellington artist Kane Laing’s The Water Bar.
AUTHENTIC ABSURDITY: THE NEW CRAFT BEER ART BAR
Would you like a distilled water served over a smoked ice-cube poured short in a whisky tumbler? Jellied water imported
from Australia? Or a soft round and earthy water rich in minerals served at 42 degrees sake-style?
The Water Bar offers you a refined menu of boutique waters, using different serving methods, sourced from New Zealand and around the
world. A fully functioning contemporary bar, which is the equivalent of a specialty coffee shop or a craft beer bar, but
with its own crew of water enthusiasts.
“In any consumer market, it’s not just about selling a product, it’s about selling the emotion or investment behind the
product,” explains Kane. Simultaneously mimicking a commercial venture, and an artistic cultural experience, there is “something absurd about selling water..but it is also an experience that is authentic.”
The Performance Series 2015 will take over all the gallery spaces of 30upstairs and includes:
Francesca Emms and Amelia Taverner, Asylum - Immigrants to the fictional republic of Asylum are invited to submit their applications for residency at a purpose
built bureau.
Ryan Ballinger, Indoor Record Attempt #4 (Fukuoka revisited) - In this gruelling performance Ryan will attempt to break his father Paul Ballinger's NZ marathon record of 2:10:15
for the 4th time.
Johann Nortje, Wave Function - A robot produces drawings from a series of algorithms that respond to the presence of the audience, producing amoebic
shapes.
Sam Trubridge, Night Walk - A black sphere that traverses environments and temporarily lodges within the gallery space.
Welcoming Party, promotional video for Complimentary Service – The artists parade through Wellington on crocodile bikes playing music and broadcasting aphorisms made from selfhelp
tapes.
The Performance Series 2015 will be followed by a programme of art talks leading up to The Performance Arcade 2016. Hosted by the Bolton Hotel, this series of free talks is an exclusive opportunity for the public to hear each artist
speak candidly about the inception, development and intention of their work.
The Performance Series 2015, 20 - 28 November
OPENING NIGHT: Friday 20 November 5pm - 7.30pm
Opening hours Saturdays 11am - 4pm; Wednesday - Friday 12pm - 5pm
The Water Bar Happy Hour Saturdays 2.30pm - 3.30pm, Thursday - Friday 4.30pm - 5.30pm
ENDS