Te Taiwhanga
The Art Gallery
This collection of work by five object-artists represents lives and arts
practices firmly rooted in nature. I have had an exhibition booked (and
rebooked) at the Bridge for most of this year. At the same time collaboration
has become an increasingly important part of how I ‘do’ art. This show
features textiles and clothing (made by me) surrounded by artwork made in
the studios of my dearest friends, all of whom are who are too busy
gardening, sailing, kayaking, supporting the physical and mental health of
others and the end to a genocide in Palestine to organise solo exhibitions. It
has been my delight and honour to curate our first group show, Briar
Bob Nicholls has been signing his pieces BPB for years. Once an acronym for
“Beach Poet Bob” the “P” now also encompasses Painting and Philosophy.
Bob is also expert at encouraging people into the natural world. Whether a
kayak trip into Able Tasman Park or a ride across choppy Whakaraupo on a
flimsy catamaran only meant to hold one, his trips manage to combine a
perfect mix of safety and fun. Bob’s jewellery is site specific to points
around the coastline and along the Te Araroa Trail.
Briar Cook is a multi disciplinary artist and writer. For the last few months
she has been busy launching rethreads 2.0, a label which deconstructs
clothing worn in the boardrooms of capitalism, reimagining the garments as
streetwear. The current collection of tunics are designed to be adapted as
needed. Lengthen, shorten, add sleeves – there is no “finished” assumed by
the designer, instead inviting a collaboration with the person who purchases
the garment, to make each piece their own. The flags are part of a series
made as gifts and fundraisers, all proceeds from sales of flags go directly to
Palestinian families in Gaza.
Genevieve Kelley is a part time sculptor and performance artist whose main
arts practice involves the establishment and curation of a food forest in
South Brighton. A perfect embodiment of the saying “gardening is the
slowest of the performing arts” Genevieve’s landscapes, developed in
partnership with the natural world, are full of surprises and hidden corners
of food and sanctuary. Working in clay is a natural adjunct to working with
the earth, and Genevieve gravitates to ceramics in the seasons where
growth in the gardens slow down.
Ryn Rutherford is a designer, artist, activist and water sports educator. If you
have been protesting on behalf of the Palestinian people lately you will have
likely marched behind one of Ryn’s artworks. When it comes to nature, I can
claim from experience that they see things that are invisible to most people,
including me. Taking walks with Ryn over the years have been literally and
delightfully eye opening as every tiny creature along our route is observed
and photographed. Intended to delight and bemuse – the pieces displayed
here are a blend of observation and imagination.
Simon Rutherford is an artist in Harakeke Raranga, taught by Ngai Tahu
weaver Cath Brown. During his first learning steps in 1997 Cath invited
Simon to attend a planning meeting for a pa harakeke along the
Styx/Phuharakekenui. This became Te Korari, the Pa Harakeke at Janet
Stewart Reserve where Simon maintains an active cutting and tidying role.
In 2007, Simon collaborated with Anthony Shadboldt on a concrete weaving
project for Addington Precinct, which led to the patterning of the sides of
the new Marshland Rd Bridge. He is actively involved in the Living Lab and
the Waimakariri Biodiversity Trust, and is vitally interested in improving the
range of endemic species in their natural environment for all to see. His
weaving fingers are frequently busy.
You want to buy an art piece?
Get in touch with us!
Send us an Email at the contact form with the name of the art piece
and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
Genevieve Kelley, Ryn Rutherford, Briar Cook, Simon Rutherford, Bob Nicholls
Bob Nicholls $20-$450
Simon Rutherford $25-$595
Briar Cook Pamphlet $5 and Print $25
Briar Cook $65- $240
Ryn Rutherford $80-$200
Genevieve Kelley $160-$250
Help us to keep the Bridge Hub going!
Every donation aids us in upholding our vision of providing affordable, accessible, and meaningful events and experiences for our community. Help us continue in our work and service as we make the most of this beautiful community hub.