4 Wellington Exhibitions To See Right Now

Sometimes, you need to get out there and look at some art. The often contentious and sometimes mind-blowing splashing of acrylics can be inspiring, amusing and scoff-worthy. All of which are entertaining reactions. We look at 4 Wellington exhibitions you should go see right now. I’m not going to promise their weight in gold because the very subjective nature of the damn things mean you’re going to make your own mind up anyway. So… go and see for yourself.

Jay Hutchinson

Mr. Hutchinson is an embroidery artist slash street artist. And his works are downright wicked. Across from the court, on the way to the mall contrasts the quick nature of tagging and graffiti with the painstakingly slow practice of needle-point. It deals with psychogeography (how we connect to where we live) and the effect said places have on us.

Jay Hutchinson: Across from the court, on the way to the mall runs from Oct 7 2017 – Feb 25 2018 at Dowse Art Museum Art Gallery.

I Digress

“Delving into different modes of address and encounter, I digress explores the transmission of language through different technologies as a relational and open-ended activity”. Hmmm *scratches side of head*. In normal-folk terms, this exhibition looks at communication and technology through the collaborative eyes of David Bennewith, Gregory Kan, Matilda Fraser, Victor and Hester.

I Digress runs from Nov 24 – Dec 16 at Enjoy Public Art Gallery.

What Remains, The Karori Commission

Another collaborative effort, this time by writer Anna Sanderson, photographer Gavin Hipkins and designer Philip Kelly. They’ve thrown together 30 new works based on the buildings, activities and history of the Karori Campus.

What Remains runs from Oct 14 – Dec 21 at Adam Art Gallery.

Frances Hodgkins People

People looks at how painter Frances Hodgkins (1869-1947) used the human figure and face in her works. This big exhibition is made up of early sketches of family members, large figure studies and formal portraits, giving us a glimpse into Hodgkins’ development as an artist and how she interpreted the human form.

Frances Hodgkins People runs from Nov 16 2017 – Feb 14 2018 at New Zealand Portrait Gallery.

words by niall roeder.