Body of nude works to feature former TV panellist

Media release – July 7, 2010
Former Selwyn Toogood tv show panellist to show one of NZ’s largest body of nude works

Former Selwyn Toogood television show “Beauty and the Beast” panellist Tui McBeath will show one of New Zealand’s largest body of nude works at an upmarket new car yard in Christchurch later this year.

The three day major solo exhibition will feature 25 McBeath nude or partly-nude bare body paintings at Archibald’s Audi showroom in Christchurch on October 15 to 17.

McBeath said she produced the evocative body of works to celebrate the human form and enjoy the play of light and shade on its curves.

``We are made beautiful and need not be ashamed of how we look without clothing. Painting has taught me clarity, patience and diligence. Any worry or concern I have disappears once I start painting. I wanted a large attractive venue for this exhibition and Archibald’s has that in spades,’’ she said.

McBeath said people who could imagine looking at her paintings over and over again and find something tranquil in that image to make them feel good were the type of buyers she had in mind. She said New Zealand art was exciting and the greatest shifts she sees are in three dimensional sculptural pieces such as those that move with wind.

``This is my first and probably last major work in body forms; I would like to return to portraits and I am seeking commission work in that area.’’

About 400 people are expected to attend the opening night on October 15. McBeath started painting almost seven years ago. She found nudes a diversion from the concentrated detail focus that was required of her portrait pieces.

``I paint the human form because of the wonderful curves on their legs, bottom or breasts and the play of light on muscles and curves is exciting. I have grown up in a society that undervalued women; I was a staunch feminist for quite a while. I believe women have now found their place in society and are more accepted in all of their varied guises.’’

McBeath studied physical education in Denmark and French in Paris and travelled widely to unusual places like Iran, Libya, Afghanistan and Pakistan. She was shot at and stoned by Turks, man-handled by Algerians and beaten up on a Turkish train.

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