Ralph Hotere and Stephen Farthing Exhibition
Ralph Hotere is one of our most significant living, New Zealand artists.
Stephen Farthing is an internationally recognised leader in his field.
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University of Auckland Exhibition
Gus Fisher Gallery
Shortland St
Auckland
It is a great pleasure to be at the opening of these two exhibitions : Ralph Hotere's Figurative Works : Carnival, Song Cycle, and The Woman Series, and Professor Stephen Farthing's "Leaf to Leopard : John Ruskin's "The Elements of Drawing".
Ralph Hotere is one of our most significant living, New Zealand artists.
Stephen Farthing is an internationally recognised leader in his field, and gives us unique insights into the skills which lie behind the fascinating art of line-drawing.
These exhibitions are made possible by the Gus Fisher Gallery's exhibition programme, which plays an important role in the cultural life of our city.
Auckland is blessed with wonderful galleries and a university which is very strong in the arts. Indeed the University of Auckland's National Institute for the Creative Arts and Industries is a vital part of Auckland's arts infrastructure.
The new Centre for New Zealand Art Research and Discovery is also an exciting development. Its role in promoting the visual arts and linking Auckland's cultural facilities will do much to enhance the city's identity as a major cultural destination.
Ralph Hotere was once a student at Auckland's College of Education, now part of Auckland University, and through subsequent years many of his works have been studied by students of this University.
Two years ago The University of Auckland presented Ralph with an honorary Doctor of Literature degree. As well as being a recognition of his personal contribution to the body of great New Zealand art, this was a tribute to the way in which he has been a source of inspiration for new generations of visual artists. His power of expression and his strong social commitment has been inspirational to many.
Ralph Hotere's work - both solo pieces and collaborations with some of our finest poets and artists - has never been simply art for art's sake. His art engages; it performs the time-honoured role of critique and conscience of society. Ralph has never flinched from exploring important issues through his art.
In this exhibition we see a significant body of Ralph's figurative works; works which have been less in the limelight than his major abstract paintings. The exhibition has been very well received in Dunedin and Blenheim, and I hope Aucklanders will embrace it with the same enthusiasm.
I commend Kriselle Baker for bringing together such a wonderful tribute to Ralph Hotere, and for her years of academic dedication to his life's work.
Through Kriselle's Masters degree and her PhD, and the project in which she is currently engaged with Ron Sang, she is helping build for New Zealanders an enduring body of knowledge about Ralph Hotere as one of our greatest artists.
Professor Farthing's exhibition nicely complements the figurative drawing theme of the Hotere exhibition.
Stephen Farthing during his time in Auckland will lead workshops and deliver a public lecture.
His presence here to share his knowledge, as one at the forefront of research into drawing in its many different forms, illustrates the value of the Hood Fellowship Programme in bringing academics and artists of international standing into the University.
Tonight the University of Auckland has much to celebrate with the coming together of two significant exhibitions, showcasing both local and overseas creative endeavour here in the Gus Fisher gallery.
I look forward shortly to hearing more about the Hotere exhibition from Kriselle Baker herself.
Stephen Farthing is an internationally recognised leader in his field.
---------------------------------
University of Auckland Exhibition
Gus Fisher Gallery
Shortland St
Auckland
It is a great pleasure to be at the opening of these two exhibitions : Ralph Hotere's Figurative Works : Carnival, Song Cycle, and The Woman Series, and Professor Stephen Farthing's "Leaf to Leopard : John Ruskin's "The Elements of Drawing".
Ralph Hotere is one of our most significant living, New Zealand artists.
Stephen Farthing is an internationally recognised leader in his field, and gives us unique insights into the skills which lie behind the fascinating art of line-drawing.
These exhibitions are made possible by the Gus Fisher Gallery's exhibition programme, which plays an important role in the cultural life of our city.
Auckland is blessed with wonderful galleries and a university which is very strong in the arts. Indeed the University of Auckland's National Institute for the Creative Arts and Industries is a vital part of Auckland's arts infrastructure.
The new Centre for New Zealand Art Research and Discovery is also an exciting development. Its role in promoting the visual arts and linking Auckland's cultural facilities will do much to enhance the city's identity as a major cultural destination.
Ralph Hotere was once a student at Auckland's College of Education, now part of Auckland University, and through subsequent years many of his works have been studied by students of this University.
Two years ago The University of Auckland presented Ralph with an honorary Doctor of Literature degree. As well as being a recognition of his personal contribution to the body of great New Zealand art, this was a tribute to the way in which he has been a source of inspiration for new generations of visual artists. His power of expression and his strong social commitment has been inspirational to many.
Ralph Hotere's work - both solo pieces and collaborations with some of our finest poets and artists - has never been simply art for art's sake. His art engages; it performs the time-honoured role of critique and conscience of society. Ralph has never flinched from exploring important issues through his art.
In this exhibition we see a significant body of Ralph's figurative works; works which have been less in the limelight than his major abstract paintings. The exhibition has been very well received in Dunedin and Blenheim, and I hope Aucklanders will embrace it with the same enthusiasm.
I commend Kriselle Baker for bringing together such a wonderful tribute to Ralph Hotere, and for her years of academic dedication to his life's work.
Through Kriselle's Masters degree and her PhD, and the project in which she is currently engaged with Ron Sang, she is helping build for New Zealanders an enduring body of knowledge about Ralph Hotere as one of our greatest artists.
Professor Farthing's exhibition nicely complements the figurative drawing theme of the Hotere exhibition.
Stephen Farthing during his time in Auckland will lead workshops and deliver a public lecture.
His presence here to share his knowledge, as one at the forefront of research into drawing in its many different forms, illustrates the value of the Hood Fellowship Programme in bringing academics and artists of international standing into the University.
Tonight the University of Auckland has much to celebrate with the coming together of two significant exhibitions, showcasing both local and overseas creative endeavour here in the Gus Fisher gallery.
I look forward shortly to hearing more about the Hotere exhibition from Kriselle Baker herself.