• 
• 
• 

In our new series of shows, Corban Estate Arts Centre celebrates the recent work of Cook Island-heritage artists working across film, typography and printmaking. Collectively, these installations acknowledge the varying concerns that underpin the work of Cook Island artists today and the rich diversity of contemporary Moana arts practices.

Corban Estate Arts Centre invite you to join us as we continue to support and uplift the experiences of artists, navigators and Indigenous storytellers from the wider Moana Pacific region through exhibitions and public programmes.  On display from 1 November –1 December, 2019; A Memoir For Falling Light (The VHS Remix) by Robert George, Techno Tapa by Numa Mackenzie and Tuffs’ Poly Fonts by Michel Tuffery.

A Memoir For Falling Light (The VHS Remix) is a new iteration of an earlier project, originally shown at Te Uru Gallery in 2017. In the VHS Remix, George employs the nostalgic format of analog VHS and five monitors to depict a single event unfolding in different ways, leaving the viewer to question the idea of a singular reality. George’s work is typified by his love of surrealist cinema, the materiality of film and a constant exploration of the human condition. Working within a strict lens-based practice, George weaves together an ethereal, dreamlike sensibility with the starkness of reality to consider the relationship between the outer world and the inner mind.

Known for his large-scale stencilled graffiti art and layering of traditional Pacific motifs, interdisciplinary artist Numa Mackenzie’s practice combines the contemporary with the traditional. In Techno Tapa, Mackenzie explores Tapa and Tatau, focusing on unique patterns and motifs through print, paint and stencil techniques. The artist, influenced by patterns he saw growing up, asks us to be more aware of our surroundings, printing unconventional bold colours and ancient Pacific patterns onto everyday items in an attempt to reconnect with those cultures and conversations.

Having previously taught at Corban Estate Arts Centre, it is a pleasure to finally exhibit the work of Michel Tuffery in the Homestead Galleries. As a recognised senior Pacific artist with a career that spans decades, Tuffery’s woodcut style is notorious for intricate details and a use of Pacific and Māori iconography. In Tuff’s Poly Fonts, the infamous alphabet is reworked, using iconography and typography to form a visual diary of stories told during the first years of his granddaughter’s life. Tuffery offers up his alphabet typeface with poets, writers and Pacific academics writing responses directly on the prints, with letters which illustrate his continual journeys, advocacy for environmental protection and creative educating.   

The one common thread between these three artists is the way they utilise technology and contemporary communications—using their own uniquely formed methodologies to “remix” their preferred mediums. What these shows represent as a whole is that Pacific / Moana artists continue to be innovative and leading thinkers.

As part of our public programme on Saturday 9 November join our free Saturday Gallery Club event, Inspired by our current exhibitions, learn how to create a stamp of your favourite alphabet letter as well as simple printing techniques on paper.

-ENDS-     

EXHIBITIONS DETAILS:

Exhibition dates: 1 November to 1 December, 2019 open 7 days a week, 10.00am – 4:30pm

Entry: Free, all welcome

PUBLIC PROGRAMMES DURING THE EXHIBITION:

1. Exhibition opening

Thursday 31 October, 6-8pm

Please join us for the opening reception of A Memoir For Falling Light (The VHS Remix) by Robert George, Techno Tapa by Numa Mackenzie and a solo exhibition Tuffs’ Poly Fonts by Michel Tuffery

Entry: Free, all welcome, in the Homestead Galleries.

1. Saturday Gallery Club #54

Saturday 9 November, between 10.30am and 12pm

Inspired by our current exhibitions, learn how to create a stamp of your favourite alphabet letter as well as simple printing techniques on paper.

Entry: Free, for kids and families, all art material provided. This is a drop in art activity, no bookings needed, in the Homestead Galleries.

*More information about the Saturday Gallery Club for kids and families

These free and fun family art-making sessions happen in the gallery every SECOND Saturday of the month. Art activities are designed for children aged 4-12 and the activity runs for around 30 minutes. These sessions are family friendly and children need to be accompanied by an adult.