Jonah Lomu to attend "Whence We Came" opening

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Sofia Minson

Click to enlarge
Sandy Rodgers

‘Whence We Came’

Combined exhibition and charity auction at Ashton Grove, Newmarket

Special Guest: Jonah Lomu

Ashton Grove proudly presents an exhibition combining the talents of four young New Zealand artists. ‘Whence We Came’ celebrates a young New Zealand, both in pre-European time and in the birth of our country as we know it.

Artists exhibiting are:
Sofia Minson: Sofia’s bold yet finely detailed oil paintings are inspired by her deep respect for the land and mythology of Aotearoa. By exploring the ancient people and legends from a contemporary perspective, Sofia discovers and strengthens an important link with her own Maori heritage. Sofia has exhibited in Europe, the USA and extensively throughout New Zealand. She has won two national art awards, and has graduated with an Art and Design degree.

Sandy Rodgers combines her twin interests of Maori Mythology and early New Zealand history to create mixed media paintings which exude a deep sense of historical importance. The inspiration of design comes from the earliest NZ maps and postage stamps. Sandy’s research notes lie beneath layers of smoky shellac and paper which is then worked over with fine Maori and European designs. Each piece comes with a wax sealed envelope filled with the notes and detailed information which is represented on the painting.

Ian McMillan; A well known character in his home of Parnell, Ian has spent many years studying the meanings depicted in Maori carving. He stays true to tradition, using only hand tools to produce wood carvings that express Maori mythology, focusing mainly on the story of creation. His pieces on display will include an intricately carved, 2.4m long Waka Taua (war canoe), and a Taurapa (stern post) standing over 2.0m tall. Ian also creates smaller scale carvings, such as traditional Waka Huia (feather boxes) which will also be on display. Ian has exhibited his work extensively both in New Zealand and internationally.

Sarah Thomas: Originally from the South Island, where she studied sculpture, Sarah now lives in Wellington. Exploring the polarities of owning and belonging to the land, she uses painting and installation to express her connection to this land. In this latest series of paintings, entitled “Occupied”, plants are used as metaphors for Maori and European cultures. Native plant species sit alongside gorse, which Sarah uses to represent European colonial occupation of New Zealand. She reminds us that despite its status as noxious weed, gorse is also a nursery plant for native regeneration. The “Occupied” series represents the tying together of cultures in modern day Aotearoa.

In addition, there will be a silent charity auction held on opening night.

Each of the exhibiting artists has kindly commissioned a piece to donate, and Ashton Grove will provide a French provincial hall table, hand-crafted in oak.

The proceeds of the auction will be donated to Kidney Kids, a non-profit organization helping New Zealand children who suffer from kidney disorders and their families. The “team” at Kidney Kids of NZ is made up entirely of parents of children who have kidney disorders. As its patron of more than a decade, Jonah Lomu will be attending on opening night, to encourage high bids!

Opening night: Friday November 2nd 6pm – 9pm
Exhibition runs until November 30th
Ashton Grove
2 Railway St
Newmarket
09 529 5192

Wine kindly supplied by
Hatton Estate

ENDS

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