Dramatic coastal sculpture exhibition opens
23 Jan 2009
A summer art exhibition that combines dramatic outdoor sculpture with spectacular coastal scenery - all in a short ferry ride from Auckland - has opened to the public for a three-week season.
‘Headland Sculpture on the Gulf’ (22 January - 15 February 2009) features works by leading New Zealand sculptors who have created contemporary outdoor artworks designed to have a visual and physical connection with the environment.
The exhibition is held every two years on Waiheke Island, a popular Hauraki Gulf island just a half-hour ferry ride from Auckland’s central city. The island, famous for its creative culture, is home to about 70 working artists.
26 leading sculptors
For the 2009 exhibition, works from 26 of New Zealand’s leading sculptors have been installed along two kilometres of the dramatic Matiatia - Church Bay coastal walkway, and the public can wander freely amongst the artworks.
Each sculpture has been strategically placed with the intention of surprising the viewers and encouraging their interaction.
Project director Dilys Grant says the idyllic setting offers spectators the opportunity "to interact and enjoy art beyond the confines" of a normal gallery environment.
"Headland Sculpture on the Gulf can be enjoyed by everyone; you can bring the dog, have a picnic among the sculptures, or just enjoy the stunning views of Auckland, Rangitoto and the Hauraki Gulf. And best of all, it’s free."
Innovative works
First held in 2003, Headland Sculpture on the Gulf was inspired by a desire to host a sculptural event outside gallery walls and in a way that would "acknowledge, embrace and enhance the coastal scenery" of Waiheke Island.
Criteria for selecting works includes: appropriateness to the site and landscape, visual and physical connection, and interaction with the environment.
Placing the works and the public under the sky, beside the sea, in valleys and on headlands, creates a unique opportunity to experience thought-provoking and innovative works by New Zealand’s leading sculptors in a stunning location.
2009 exhibitors
Artists whose work has been selected for the 2009 exhibition are:
Tony Bond, Paul Cullen, Charlotte Fisher, Meiling Lee, Kazu Nakagawa, Pauline Rhodes, Jeff Thomson, Leon van den Eijkel, Richard Wedekind, Graham Bennett, Lucy Bucknall, Gill Gatfield, Chris Hargreaves, Robert Jahnke, Gaye Jurisich, Nic Moon, Stephen Mulqueen, Christian Nicolson, Louise Palmer, Louise Purvis, Paul Radford, Brydee Rood, Graham Snowden, Serene Thain, Fletcher Vaughan, Graham Fletcher.
More information:
Waiheke Island wins 2009 smart travel pick
Auckland's Hauraki Gulf
These topics may also be of interest to you
|
