I've been discussing with some artist friends what sort of landscape we will find post-Covid and how we wish to negotiate it. While we all recognise the gravity of our collective situation, we also feel what makes all artists’ hearts beat faster: the excitement of the new. We have a unique opportunity to adapt and improve, while continuing to champion artists as the originators of our art industry.
We need to develop the best paths into the unknown territory of a Covid-tinged art world. I was reminded of what the protagonist of Camus "The Plague" says at the end of the book. This doctor states that we can only combat pestilence with decency - and they defined decency as doing their job. We have to believe in what we are doing and just do it, with kindness, humility and determination.
We need to develop the best paths into the unknown territory of a Covid-tinged art world. I was reminded of what the protagonist of Camus "The Plague" says at the end of the book. This doctor states that we can only combat pestilence with decency - and they defined decency as doing their job. We have to believe in what we are doing and just do it, with kindness, humility and determination.
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The trouble with making paintings too big for the studio... IMG X PAULNACHE
Here are a few of the events from the past 12 months:
I've returned to making large, single piece paintings after 2 1/2 years of making the composite works. These are quite different, as the catalogue for my WWW exhibition at PAULNACHE in February said, "the making of large works in modular form is not the same as painting across an uninterrupted surface. The terrain of the canvas becomes actual as the trail of the artist’s brush is walked from one side to the other; colours talk to each other without the divisions of a tiled construction. Painting large on a single piece of fabric is not constrained – it is free". In June, I completed a 185cm x 280cm work 29th June 2020, the first this size since 2017, and it felt so good..!
I'm currently working on some fabric works, with kind support from Creative New Zealand, and some large sculptural works. Some sneaky peeks at these have been on my Instagram account (best for checking out my processes and art adventures).
My article on the recent trip to China with Ai Gallery was published in the Summer 2019 issue of Art News. It was a revelatory experience and the start of many relationships there. From presenting New Zealand's first exhibition at the 8th Beijing International Art Biennale to setting up works in a field under the Qinling Mountains, it was an epic experience!
October saw Artweek Auckland energise sites across the city. I was involved in 3 events: the Akepiro Indie 500 exhibition at our Akepiro Street Studios; a group show at Something Else, Jeanne's art soiree evenings; and as tour guide for K'Road Late Night Art - check the November Ponsonby News for a story on that (or here on Page 127).
In September, Jeanne & I were on the cover of NZ Life & Leisure Magazine, with an 8 page spread inside with photos by the awesome Tessa Chrisp. Welcome to our home here
In August, the talented Alex Plumb produced a short film on my practice, which you can view below, or on the link here and Nelson-based writer Annie Pokel wrote about my work in relation to Joy, which you can also read below. I think of Joy as giving us strength and hope, enabling us to deal with existential crises.
I've returned to making large, single piece paintings after 2 1/2 years of making the composite works. These are quite different, as the catalogue for my WWW exhibition at PAULNACHE in February said, "the making of large works in modular form is not the same as painting across an uninterrupted surface. The terrain of the canvas becomes actual as the trail of the artist’s brush is walked from one side to the other; colours talk to each other without the divisions of a tiled construction. Painting large on a single piece of fabric is not constrained – it is free". In June, I completed a 185cm x 280cm work 29th June 2020, the first this size since 2017, and it felt so good..!
I'm currently working on some fabric works, with kind support from Creative New Zealand, and some large sculptural works. Some sneaky peeks at these have been on my Instagram account (best for checking out my processes and art adventures).
My article on the recent trip to China with Ai Gallery was published in the Summer 2019 issue of Art News. It was a revelatory experience and the start of many relationships there. From presenting New Zealand's first exhibition at the 8th Beijing International Art Biennale to setting up works in a field under the Qinling Mountains, it was an epic experience!
October saw Artweek Auckland energise sites across the city. I was involved in 3 events: the Akepiro Indie 500 exhibition at our Akepiro Street Studios; a group show at Something Else, Jeanne's art soiree evenings; and as tour guide for K'Road Late Night Art - check the November Ponsonby News for a story on that (or here on Page 127).
In September, Jeanne & I were on the cover of NZ Life & Leisure Magazine, with an 8 page spread inside with photos by the awesome Tessa Chrisp. Welcome to our home here
In August, the talented Alex Plumb produced a short film on my practice, which you can view below, or on the link here and Nelson-based writer Annie Pokel wrote about my work in relation to Joy, which you can also read below. I think of Joy as giving us strength and hope, enabling us to deal with existential crises.
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| evan_woodruffe_the_pursuit_of_happiness_by_anne_pokel.pdf |
| art_nz_157_lucinda_bennett_wet_maps_evan_woodruffe.pdf |