Papakura Art Gallery turns green

Papakura Art Gallery takes a closer look at the garden this month with a group exhibition called Flourish.  This is the first show curated by Gallery Manager Emma Millynn, who says the inspiration for the exhibition came from Papakura itself and the diverse arts community living in the District.

“Many people are unaware of just how good our arts community is, and of the leading role the Council has taken in supporting the arts in Papakura.  You only need to look at the new library card to see an example of the this support: Wayne Wilson-Wong’s iconic image of Pukekiwiriki Pa.”

Ms Millyn says North Shore-based Wilson-Wong was commissioned by the council to capture the essence of Pukekiwiriki, an iconic feature of the District.

“The result was a series of magnificent photographs, more art than mere image.  But so few people have seen the stunning originals.”

Another large scale work originally displayed at the Hawkins Theatre, Journey through the Wilderness by well known painter Denys Watkins will also be on display at the gallery.  A work by Mauricio Benega also features in the exhibition.

Eoin Jury is a local artist who has artworks in the council collection.  His large format photographs capture iconic images of Papakura.

The exhibition includes historic photographs from the Ernst Clark Memorial Museum collection.

“Growing up in Papakura you tend to forget how much things have changed.  Subdivisions have popped up in what once was farmland, the motorway wasn’t always there, the town centre has changed so much over the decades.  The museum’s aerial shots show how much Papakura has change from the early years and make you wonder what will our place look like in another fifty years?”

The exhibition also features local artist Sue Treanor, Michelle Chapman, Jonathan Bowman, Haihui Wang and special guest artist acclaimed photographer Sally Tagg.

While the council collection is on display at the Papakura Art Gallery there is a solo show of Haihui Wang’s paintings in the council offices.

The exhibition runs until 21 November and the gallery also hosts the Neat Street Garden Awards in November.