Major touring art exhibition covers 9 towns/cities

Media release – October 18, 2007

Major touring art exhibition to cover nine New Zealand towns and cities

A leading New Zealand close-up portrait artist has launched a nationwide touring exhibition which will cover nine towns and cities until November next year.

Deidre Copeland of Cromwell opened her touring exhibition in Dunedin last week and it will be seen in Arrowtown, Hawke’s Bay, Taupo, Oamaru, Invercargill, Gore, Blenheim and Alexandra.

Her exhibition showcases a selection of her best large portraits and etchings of the last two years.

``I wanted to create a dramatic and memorable show that reaches a wide audience. I have always been intrigued by the human face and the stories woven into every wrinkle and crease.

``I like to work on a large canvas so I can get lost in the detail. I hope they are seen as animated and slightly imposing as they watch the viewer around the room.’’

Copeland’s models are largely local Central Otago characters, though she has done a portrait of Tim Shadbolt for the Invercargill mayor. Her giant close up works are traffic stoppers wherever they are shown. She said their faces tell the story of who they are and the lives they have led.

The region’s harsh landscapes and climate extremes are reflected in the very geography of their faces and hands.

``To me they are precious pieces of our history, gently powerful, and wise in ways we haven’t even learnt about yet.’’

Copeland returned to New Zealand in 2004 after seven years travelling the world as an illustrator, teacher, photographer and painter. She exhibited extensively in Tokyo and London.

She has won a number of awards and was a finalist in the Adams New Zealand Portrait awards.

Touring exhibition itinerary:

October 13 to 27 - The Artist’s Room, Dunedin
November 3 to 25 - Lakes District Museum, Arrowtown
January 5 to 31 - Wine Country Gallery, Hawke’s Bay
February 9 to March 5 - Lake Taupo Museum & Gallery, Taupo
March 21 to May 4 - Forrester Gallery, Oamaru
May & June - Southland Museum & Art Gallery, Invercargill
June 28 to August 3 - Eastern Southland Gallery, Gore
August 22 to October 5 - Millennium, Blenheim
October 15 to November 30 - Central Gallery, Alexandra

Photolink: http://www.dee-art-space.com

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