The Farmer's Wife and The Farmer - John McLean

An art exhibition in a museum is a unique experience. It is a chance to explore how the creative process works, to ask why certain mechanical processes are chosen, and of course – to share our many different interpretations. An exhibition of McLean’s work could not be more ideal. His paintings are rich in motifs and symbols.  Layers of association are open to many interpretations and ages; the luminous colours and vibrant scenes appealing to children as well as adults. With a surrealist edge, McLean’s imagination and subconscious do the work. With a singular and intriguing process, his paintings start as splatters, from which strangely familiar characters are formed. Their life begins naked then he clothes them. Through each painting they morph and grow: Each painting a milestone on their journey, a chapter in their story. A tale of emancipation and growth; The Farmer’s Wife is the story of a woman who escapes the family farm with a traveller. She slowly sheds her domiciled position as a wife, becoming independent and assertive. Its sequel, The Farmer, depicts what happens to both the Farmer and his Wife after her departure. A wide range of activities are planned. The education programme will see primary schoolers in an ‘artist’s studio’ creating their own narrative through art. Along with footage of McLean painting and talking about his ideas, there will be Artist Talks, and a panel of commentators including renowned art critic, Warwick Brown. Originally from Tauranga, McLean attended Tauranga Boys’ College where he was taught by one of New Zealand’s earliest Surrealist artists, Edward Bullmore. McLean now works full time as an artist from his home in remote Mimi, Taranaki. The Farmer’s Wife (2009) and The Farmer (2010) were first curated by Penelope Jackson of the Tauranga Art Gallery. The Farmer’s Wife and The Farmer is toured by  Tauranga Art GalleryToi Tauranga.