Summer review programme keeps art on the agenda

Summer review programme keeps art on the agenda

The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery this week announced an annual series of major review exhibitions that aim to connect Gallery audiences with the latest contemporary art practices over the summer break.

Break-Connect introduces two revolving survey exhibitions that will showcase the latest in New Zealand and international contemporary art in the New Plymouth gallery.

Break, the first exhibition in the series, debuts at the Govett-Brewster this summer. Focusing exclusively on contemporary New Zealand art, Break will look at new works by emerging and established New Zealand artists that break away from their general practice. Works selected for the exhibition will showcase new artists, new directions or new media for artists. Break will also present work by artists who have made an international break, and show work not yet seen in New Zealand.

By contrast Connect provides an opportunity to consider recent work by New Zealand artists against work by their international contemporaries. Connect will debut at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery over the 2003-2004 summer holiday period.

"The introduction of Break-Connect gives the Govett-Brewster the opportunity to provide a taster of what the Gallery exhibits throughout the year, at a time of year when we see a lot of new audience members in the Gallery." says Gallery Director Greg Burke. "The shows present an overview of the Govett-Brewster's programming philosophy within a festive context."

Following in the footsteps of previous Govett-Brewster summer review exhibitions Leap of Faith (1998), Wonderlands (1999), In glorious dreams(2000), and Feature: art, life and cinema (2002), Break-Connect has a diverse legacy of popular exhibitions to continue.

Says Burke "On one hand visiting a vibrant exhibition may be just what the doctor orders after all the end of year parties, on the other it can be a reminder of Swedish artist Öyvind Fahlström's view that as an artist 'you are like the member of the resistance, you can never relax'."

Break opens at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery on 14 December.

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