One19

Endearing ghosts, pretty pools of blood, and one slightly lost girl are just some of the morbid marvels about to materialize from the dark corners of Hamilton’s visual arts scene as the pop-gothic paintings that are ‘One19’ shyly take to the walls for their first group showing.

‘One19’ will provide a visual backdrop of seductive gloom for the duration of the local arts festival as counterpoint to the flash and dazzle of events happening around it.

“My little monsters are really hopeful about going out in public”, says James Wilson, creator of the dark visions in question. “They way they’re too naïve yet to realize that no one will ever really love them is just adorable”.

‘One19’ is a series of simple hearted, solemn paintings relating the emotional tone and experience of one girl’s final teenage year, through a loose, metaphorical narrative.

By blending pop and street art styles with the conventions of classical portraiture & allegory, symbols of hope, fear, love, whimsy, need and faith are woven into a uniquely bittersweet creation that gives viewers the opportunity to reflect on their own losses and regrets, ideally creating the possibility of a sorrow that is a necessary part of wisdom and compassion.

TEEN GIRL SEEN WITH MONSTERS, BLACK STUFF!

One19: Ignition Festival, Hamilton, 2009

The exhibition will be a rare opportunity to drink from one of the darker wells of Hamilton’s artistic subculture and can be viewed for free at Te Ariki Gallery 555 Victoria st, Hamilton over 19 – 28 June. Works will also be available for sale at reasonable prices. Thanks to Hamilton City Arts Council, Kat & the Ignition team, Hamiton Community Radio, Contact FM and Mammoth Media for helping to make the festival possible.For more information on art or artist, samples or interviews, contact James Wilson 021 076 9998 & haloaffect@live.com