The exhibition consists of work by seven New Zealand artists who are concerned with the texture of the painted surface. Each of the artists treat their surface in a different manner, either by manipulating the actual surface, adhering objects to it, or applying differing layers of paint to create a 3-dimensional quality. In the case of Geoff Dixon’s works, his cascading drips of fluid paint creates the appearance of lush, dense rainforest through which one catches flashes of bright plumage.
Auckland artist Alexander Bartleet crams his canvas with discarded objects and remnants of life, such as hinges, mobile phones, pieces of jigsaw puzzles and fishing twine, to create a seething energised mass. He then adds his own variation by over-painting and rubbing back. To label his work as mixed media on canvas does not do it justice. His modernist still-life works erupt from the surface of the canvas as though each item is vying for the attention it had in its former life. [more]
Deserted. 2010. Acrylic and mixed media on canvas. 1200 x 900 mm.
Study. 2010. Acrylic and mixed media on canvas. 600 x 500 mm.
Riverbed. 2010. Acrylic and mixed media on canvas. 600 x 500 mm.
