Jonah Lomu to attend "Whence We Came" opening
Jonah Lomu to attend "Whence We Came"
Click to enlarge
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