Manukau's treasures go on show

AXIS: Selected works from the Manukau City Council Art Collection offers a wonderful opportunity to showcase art treasures that some art lovers may not have seen before.

The collection, which began more than 25 years ago, traces the environmental changes in Manukau, from its rural beginnings through industrialisation and urbanisation. It also documents the changes in Manukau’s cultural makeup and reflects the growth and development of one of New Zealand’s youngest cities.

Manager of Manukau Arts Leisa Siteine says the selection, curated by Gabrielle Belz, is a great opportunity for the public to view New Zealand contemporary art, with some early pieces from well known artists on display.

“Over the years council has accumulated an impressive collection of contemporary sculpture, paintings, prints and other works. We are so proud of these valued treasures and the heritage we are building for our future generations.

“These works have been purchased from well-respected and well-recognised artists at the beginning of their careers as well as new and emerging Manukau artists”.

The exhibition includes works from senior Maori artist Fred Graham, well known for his bird forms including Kahu in the grounds of the Auckland Museum and other work in the Auckland Botanic Gardens.

Other prominent artists include Maureen Lander, Emily Karaka, Kura Te Waru Rewiri, Peter Collis, Robyn Kahukiwa and Andy Leleisi’uao. A full list of artists is attached.

“It was challenging selecting a limited number of works from council’s extensive collection to fit within the exhibition space. However the curator has come up with pieces that reflect the diverse nature and development of our community and highlights some of the key artists linked to Manukau”, says Ms Siteine.

The exhibition, a Manukau Festival of Arts event, will be held in the refurbished gallery space in the Civic Building. A limited edition catalogue has been published to accompany the exhibition, which is supported by the Rotary Club of Manukau City Sunrise Inc and runs from 10 to 26 November. Entry is free.

What: AXIS: Selected works from the Manukau City Council Art
Collection
Venue: Manukau City Council
Gallery, First Floor, Civic Building,
31-33 Wiri Station Road, Manukau
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 10am till 4pm

For more information go to: www.manukau.govt.nz

ENDS

Note to editors:

List of artists

Gabrielle Belz Anita Berman
Keith Blight Nigel Borell
Peter Boyd Richard Boyd Dunlop
Michelle Bryant Tom Burnett
Alex Burton Mary Clifford
Peter Collis Shane Cotton
Dagmar Dyck John Ecuyer
Vanessa Edwards Sam Farquhar
Fatu Feu’u Joanna Fieldes
Shona Firman Dick Frizzell
Rodney Fumpston Brian Gartside
Ian George Charlotte Graham
Fred Graham Chris Heaphy
Ngahina Hohaia John Ioane
Glen Jowitt Robyn Kahukiwa
Emily Karaka Maureen Lander
Andy Leleisi’uao Claudine Muru
Gary Nash Alexis Neal
Cerisse Palalagi Stanley Palmer
Seraphine Pick John Pule
John Reynolds Jacob Scott
Richard Shortland Cooper Zarahn Southon
Penny Stotter Wong Tai
Tangi Takie Dan Taulapapa McMullin
Serene Tay Kura Te Waru Rewiri
Jeff Thomson Barbara Tuck
Michel Tuffery Sheyne Tuffery
Donna Tupaea Daniel Waswas
Denys Watkins Desna Whaanga-Schollum
Emily Wolfe

 

About the festival:
The Manukau Festival of Arts 08 is an inaugural event for audiences of all ages and backgrounds from around the Auckland region to experience the energy of the arts in Manukau through a diverse range of exciting festival events.

Between 30 October and 17 November the Manukau Festival of Arts will showcase more than 30 exciting events around the city – exhibitions, youth events, music, dance, fashion, comedy and a film festival. All the details are on www.mfa.org.nz .