Damon Kowarsky, Manu Berry: 15 July - 8 August

Damon Kowarsky: Polis
15 July - 8 August

'Polis' is an exhibition of etchings and miniature paintings by Australian artist Damon Kowarsky. The title suggests a city without referring to any particular one. Kowarsky reveals that the images are inspired by visits to cities in Australia, India, Mexico and Pakistan, places ancient and modern, first and developing world, familiar and completely unknown.

"My interest in architecture grew out of an interest in the figure in the landscape, where the landscape was that of the urban environment, the city." Kowarsky says. The etchings of cityscapes on the cusp of night feature Kowarsky's fluid lines, with a dark aquatint creating tone and atmosphere. The miniature paintings painstakingly produced in watercolour and gouache are on wasli, a handmade paper formed by bonding together layers of thin paper, then burnished smooth with a cowry shell.

Kowarsky will be in Wellington for the exhibition opening and on one of his last stops on a Toyota Community Spirit Artist Travel Award, which enabled him to take part in residencies in Spain and Cairo earlier this year. He has been the recipient of a number of awards and has widely exhibited Internationally.

Wine generously supplied by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Manu Berry: Double Vision
15 July - 8 August

'Double Vision' is the title of a new series of collaged woodcut prints from local artist Manu Berry. Cutting and reassembling the underlying landscape, Berry explores the subjectivity of our response to the environment and the subtle ways that our individual perspective and knowledge shape the world. The works featured in Double Vision employ a unique approach: in assembling the images Berry incorporates a 3D element which emphasises 'hidden' shapes within the scene.

Berry's process combines the physical nature of carving the block with the gentle layering of coloured ink, to achieve a depth and sharpness of line. Drawings - often done in situ - provide the opportunity to make a connection with the subject, and he then works directly from drawing to print, carving away wood and adding layers of ink.

Manu Berry has been printmaking in the medium of woodblock since 1999, and currently works from a studio overlooking Lyall Bay. He has exhibited widely in New Zealand and in 2006 Berry was awarded second place in the Mainland Art Awards.

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SOLANDER WORKSHOPS
Sunday 2nd August: Japanese Bookbinding
Designed for the beginner, participants will create a beautiful Japanese soft-cover book. Bookbinder Vincent Drane brings many years of teaching experience to this ancient craft.

Sunday 30th August: Collagraph Printmaking.
Delve into printmaking with visiting Australian artist, Anthea Boesenberg. This one day workshop will explore the simple yet effective process of collagraph printmaking, great for those with an interest in textures and layered imagery.

Contact Solander Gallery for details and be in quick as the class sizes are limited. Cost for a full day workshop including materials is $120. Phone us to book your place now or see our website for more details.

ENDS

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