Pink Flamingos take out Tiger Translate art competition

When you love to paint flamingos and your boyfriend is a graffiti artist, chances are you make pretty compelling art when you work together.

Such is the case for Huia artist Marie Ockleford and her boyfriend Dave Grace who created an artwork so compelling it has taken out the top spot in the first Tiger Translate art competition.

Part of the NZ-developed, internationally-acclaimed art and music mash-up that is Tiger Translate, the art competition was introduced to the mix for the first time this year, giving up-and-coming artists a unique opportunity to participate in the global event.

Marie and Dave’s piece joins nine other one-off, specially-commissioned artworks and installations from some of the most respected groups in the NZ creative community. It’s all on show at Tiger Translate in and around the Masonic Lodge and The Winchester on St Benedict’s Street, Auckland on March 20.

Tiger Beer brand manager Anna Isaac says the exhibition is going to be the best in Tiger Translate’s history.

“We have been blown away by the wealth of talent out there but Marie and Dave’s submission really stands out. It demonstrates a mix of humour and creativity as well as an understanding of the theme ‘balance’ that all entries were required to explore. It’s a theme that’s central to Eastern culture and Translate is all about merging the East and the West.

“When the doors open, people will be surrounded by amazing artwork, awesome music from the likes of DJKENTARO and Muscles and a truly unique environment.

“We have created a maze of gallery spaces that cover three floors; it’s really something not to miss. Tiger Translate is always a highlight on the Auckland art and music calendar, and this one looks set to top all previous incarnations.”

Launched in New Zealand four years ago, the Tiger Translate concept fuses East and West, art and music. It has since gone global with similar events in New York, Copenhagen, Beijing, Bangkok and Berlin.

For more information and the chance to get a last minute ticket to the event, visit: www.tigerbeer.co.nz