Ethereal artworks spirited away to Wellington

Ethereal artworks spirited away to Wellington

In celebration of the Wellington Outgames, the upcoming Spirit art exhibition will see painter Angelo Giannoutsos and sculptor Graeme Hitchcock come together for the first time to celebrate myth, evocative landscapes and spiritual sexuality.

The exhibition takes place at Wellington Town Hall, from 11–13 March.

The artists – who met through a mutual appreciation of each other’s work – both share a certain ethereal quality to their ideas and artworks. Walking into the West Court Foyer of the Town Hall, visitors will be greeted by rich landscape paintings in the ‘golden age’ style that dominated the Netherlands in the 17th century, as well as sensuous sculptures carved out of coloured glass and bronze.

Angelo’s techniques are inspired by Dutch masters such as Jacob van Ruisdael – painters who brought a touch of realism to what was then dominated by Baroque styles. Applying this technique to Pacific mythological creatures such as Moa and their Hunters and geothermal landscapes – these lustrous paintings are a sheer delight.

A fitting complement to these are Graeme’s sculptures – some a celebration of homo-erotic spirituality, others appear voyeuristic – retaining a mysterious tone to their lives and sexuality.

Observing people waiting at a bus stop, standing, watching and waiting, inspired Graeme to create the latter body of work – entitled Man Looking. This series is cast in coloured glass and limited edition bronze casts.

“The primal prance bronze sculptures, on the other hand, portray a natural and somewhat innocent, and yet very celebratory demonstration of male sexuality in an energy giving, life re-enforcing dance, a celebration of being male,” says Graeme.

“I’ll bring along little lace hankies to tie around certain parts of those sculptures just in case there are any objections,” he adds.

“This is the first time I’ll show art in Wellington, and I hope it will prompt the observer to smile, laugh or question. If your questions go unanswered, feel free to ask us anything…”

Come meet the artists. All works are for sale.

Where: Wellington Town Hall, West Court foyer, 111 Wakefield Street.
When: 11, 12 and 13 March, from 10am–6pm.

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