International Artist Debuts In NZ At Ellerslie

International Artist Debuts In NZ At Ellerslie Sculpture Garden Exhibit

Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

A work by Mandeville artist Allan O’Loughlin (top) and Shift by Kaikoura artist Ben Foster.

International ceramic artist Susan Higgs will debut her work in New Zealand at the Ellerslie International Flower Show’s Sculpture Garden exhibition this year.

Higgs, who has recently moved to live in Rangiora (North Canterbury), has exhibited widely internationally and currently has an installation touring Europe.

Her work focuses on people’s perceptions of people in other lands and “how we see them and how we compartmentalise what is happening to them”.

“My inspiration comes from the women of the Congo who for the last 20 years have been suffering at the vile hands of rebels of warring tribes in a politically corrupt environment.

“I chose these women because they have become speechless through their trauma; they are shy and afraid. The contrast between their poverty and violation and the riches from the mines that Africa produces is dramatic.”

Higgs is one of 21 New Zealand artists whose work will be featured at this year’s Ellerslie International Flower Show’s Sculpture Garden exhibition.

The works range from towering stainless steel kinetic sculptures to barbed wire pieces and ceramic heads. These will be displayed in and around Lake Albert, set among the native plantings surrounding the lake and suspended in the trees at North Hagley Park during the five days of the Ellerslie International Flower Show from 10 to 14 March.

Curated by local sculptor Michael Michaels, the exhibition is of predominantly large-scale works and includes pieces by an array of award-winning artists from throughout New Zealand.

“It will be a fantastic exhibition with such a diverse range of work by some of New Zealand’s best artists. The Ellerslie Sculpture Garden 2010 will showcase the real strength of artistic talent in this country.

“Visitors to Ellerslie are invited to either take a stroll around Lake Albert, on the western perimeter of the Show and indulge their passion for art, or sit among the trees and enjoy a picnic while viewing the works.”

The exhibition is the opportunity to not only see the works but also buy a piece of New Zealand art for the garden.

Full list of artists: Gary Baynes, Steve Dench, Vineet Dent, Sallie Dunford, Sharon Earl, Ben Foster, Susan Higgs, Ironic Art, Ian Lamont, Andrew Lyons, Roger McArthur, Chris Meder, Michael Michaels, Allan O’Loughlin, Linda Pringle, Shaun Rennell, Rebecca Rose, Dave Roy, Margaret Ryley, Susan Sky and John van Beek.

Ellerslie International Flower Show is New Zealand’s premier week-long Garden Party in Christchurch’s North Hagley Park from 10 to 14 March 2010. The Show celebrates Christchurch’s Garden City heritage and the best of national and international garden design. Check out the website for further information www.ellerslieflowershow.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media