Noughts, Crosses And More At Exhibition

Noughts, Crosses And More At Exhibition

1 February 2010

Controversial artist and designer Vaughan Clements pokes fun at a recent episode in a colourful life as part of his latest exhibition, Random Madness, about to premiere in his adopted home of Devonport.

Unholy Trinity is the centrepiece of the two-week exhibition at The Depot Artspace.

Headlined “Forgive them even though they knew what they did”, the painting features three women on crosses. The work reflects Clements’ interpretation of events at the local St Paul’s Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder and which was subsequently closed down once authorities held an internal investigation and parishioners dwindled to single figures.

Vaughan Clements was labelled one of the “pirates of the parish” by opponents within the fractured congregation and treated as a pariah by some in the local media who were friends with those on the other side of the pews.

“This is my tongue-in-cheek take on the events that had very serious consequences for me during this period,” he says.

A confidentiality agreement arising from the dispute gagged Clements from speaking out. He has let his paint brushes do his talking as he draws a colourful line under the unfortunate business that did little to restore his faith in organised religion.

Opotiki-born Clements is the youngest son of a cleric jailed during WWII for his pacific beliefs and is the father of five who, in 1999, came to live in Devonport’s Torpedo Bay after being awarded the NZ 1990 Medal for services to New Zealand for his community work.

Unholy Trinity is one of 30 Random Madness artworks on display from Waitangi Day, February 6, until Thursday 18th at The Depot Artspace, 28 Clarence Street, Devonport.

ENDS

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