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These sculptures seem unreal and not just because of the combination of gender and placement of body parts. They present parts of a whole not totally able to be seen. The smiles are benign. They are bronze with a variety of patina – traditional dark, intense bronze to painted greenish grey blue. They range in size from very large commercial foyer appropriate pieces to small residential pieces. I love “Looking Back” It’s quite a small piece; the size is part of its inherent beauty. That as we go forward we are always looking back resonates with me.
The beauty and “viewability” of this exhibition is enhanced by the space given to each piece. It is an exhibition that also displays the value of the Tauranga Art Gallery as a public art space. The catalogue which lists the works exhibited contains explanatory text by Gallery Director Penelope Jackson. This is an excellent and affordable memory of the exhibition.
The catalogue says “Terry Stringer (b.1946) was born in England, arriving in New Zealand in 1955. He attended the University of Auckland’s School of Fine Arts and has now been painting [there is a large example of Stringer’s painting]and sculpting for nearly five decades. In 2003 he was awarded the ONZM (Order of the New Zealand Order of Merit) for his contribution to the visual arts…”
Terry Stinger: Landscape of the Head exhibition continues until 3rd August 2014. It is located on the upper Gallery level – Long & Window Gallery. There are two stairway entries to this gallery and an easily operated lift access. This exhibition is supported by The Miles Trust, Friends of the Gallery and The Breeze.
OTHER EXHIBITIONS TO SEE AT THE TAURANGA ART GALLERY:
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A Lasting Legacy: Horatio Gordon Robley with works by Bob Kerr & Elizabeth Kyle Important for us to see for its insight into the times of Pukehinahina and Te Ranga. The work by Robley is detailed and illustrative. It dovetails with the exhibition in the boy of the St Georges Gate Pa Church. Until 8th June 2014 in The Cube Gallery. Supported by Radio Live
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Number 1 Field Punishment: Bob Kerr This is not just a superbly painted exhibition of work it’s a New Zealand cultural statement. The paintings are beautiful and the characterisation of the roles (exemplified by the portrait of the Chaplain) stunning. The endless duckboard across craters of the moon disappears into infinity.
I’d heard the National Radio reading of the story of Archibald Baxter which made this exhibition even more disturbing. The accompanying sound was therefore more than eerie. Don McLean has a song “The Grave” which I have always assumed was prompted by the Vietnam War – it’s also horribly appropriate for this exhibitiion. Until 8th June 2014 in Gallery One.
