A visual exploration of physical sensations opens at Auckland's Satellite Gallery on 9 October. Somatic features work by ten artists, including painter Rudy Whitehead-Lopez, documentary photographer Michael Craig and sculptor Nicola Bennett.

A visual exploration of physical sensations opens at Auckland's Satellite Gallery on 9 October. Somatic features work by ten artists, including painter Rudy Whitehead-Lopez, documentary photographer Michael Craig and sculptor Nicola Bennett.

Image: A painting by Christchurch-based US artist Keinyo White.

The artists

With a deep passion for maintaining the traditions of painting, Evan Woodruffe's powerful portraiture offers intense contemporary subjects in a skillful, old-world style. Rudy Whitehead-Lopez has an extensive exhibition history, a Masters in Fine Art and a nomination for a Nobel Peace Prize under his belt. He is also a highly accomplished painter and novelist. His depictions of domestic life are as skilful and beautiful as they are tragic. Renowned documentary photographer Michael Craig has exhibited here and in his native England. From English football to Vanuatu 'bungee jumping', Michael's unique ability to capture the human dynamic all over the globe makes his work a real experience to view. A native to the US now living in Christchurch, Keinyo White brings reverence and power back to portraiture with bold depictions of the human form that transcend the watercolors they were crafted in. Nicola Bennett was born in Worcestershire, England, and studied Fine Art at Bretton Hall, a college of the University of Leeds. Bennett developed her experience as a sculptor working as an artist assistant for sculptor Sophie Ryder. In 2001 she moved to New Zealand and in 2007 completed her Masters of Fine Art with a First Class Honors from Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design, Auckland. Geoff Budd is an award-winning photographer whose sleek photographic style and interest in cultural fusions bring unique perspective to his craft. His exhibition on the international phenomenon of 'next-level' street-art 'shoe-slinging' featured at Satellite in February 2007. Dylan Scott is an infamous Elam student who has exhibited extensively throughout Auckland. "My work revolves around candy coloured creatures who don't wear pants. They are sad because sad is easier than happy. People understand sad. Melancholy is ubiquitous." Tracey Archer's rich, raw stylised portraits of city night life are dark and beautiful. Strong descriptive expressions in eerie atmospheres; her time spent in hospitality and her love of observation make these stunning works informed and all-too-real. With a Bachelor in fine arts, Stewart Gilliana has worked as a commercial photographer, designer and creative director for the past 22 years mostly throughout Asia. His abstracted studies of the human body are tweaked with vibrant colours and grainy texture to illuminate and objectify our ever fascinating form.

When: 9-20 October 2007 Opening event: 5.30 - 7pm Tuesday 9 October Where: Satellite Gallery, Corner of St Benedicts Street and Newton Road (Entrance St Benedict's St), Newton, Auckland 10/9/07