Sarjeant Quarterly 66Summer 2017–2018

Newsletter of the Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua ISSN 1171-3275 6 Fairclough Wendy

Exhibitions 14 12 / 2017, lead crystal and concrete. Photo: Grant Hancock. Grant Photo: crystal lead concrete. and 2017, Yield Fairclough Wendy

Our curators are busying themselves with planning for the return journey return journey the for planning with themselves busying are curators Our

to Queens Park and going through options for opening and post-opening opening post-opening and options for going through and Park Queens to going it’s slow and of hard years many so After exhibitionsevents. and Redevelopment of the phases new be in a positionwhere now to wonderful their can show newcomers, our particularly staff, and themselves present expertise. From the Director the From a significant step made DistrictWhanganui Council the October On 27 day On that Project. Sarjeant beginningGallery the Redevelopment towards fulfilled doing, in so and, Project the for as guarantors act to voted councillors and Culture Ministry for the by required conditions partits in meeting the are conditions remaining The commitment. $10 million its release Heritage to Ministry the Sarjeantonce Gallery Trust with the and through worked being quickly can move Project the been met, have requirements its that happy is until the unabated continue will fundraising Meanwhile, phase. next its into completed. construction is process Galleryonline 15 Events & Talks 10 / Sarjeant 10 / Collection the from Works : cover front Enigmatic Enigmatic Riddle: 8 / Stratton Richard Gallery Friends 5 / Gallery 5 / Friends Contents Sarjeant 4 News 2 / Director the From

2 SARJEANT QUARTERLY 66 Summer 2017–2018 While we make all of these efforts at moving forward and looking towards 3 the Sarjeant’s bright future, it’s timely to take a moment to reflect on our SARJEANT QUARTERLY past. Most notably the contribution, one hundred years ago, of Donald Hosie. Hosie was the young architect from Dunedin whose drawings won the design competition for the new Sarjeant Gallery back in 1916. Like most men, the 21 year old had soon joined the army and was destined to fight in Europe. Charles Mackay, then mayor of Whanganui, arranged for him to have leave from the army in order to finish his drawings and in September of 1917 the foundation stone of the Gallery was laid. Sadly, Hosie was never able to see his drawings become reality as he was killed in action at Passchendaele just three weeks 66 Summer 2017–2018 later on 12 October 1917. Thanks to this visionary young architect we have a most wonderful legacy building and one which we intend to see strengthened and made fit for purpose again for another century, if not longer. With strong progress on the Redevelopment front, an exciting array of exhibitions in place for the summer season and an innovative new collections search function now available on the Gallery’s website, there have never been more ways to get involved with the Sarjeant. The Gallery shop is stocked with diverse artisan-made items that will make unique Christmas gifts (10% discount for Friends of the Sarjeant and Thousand Stars members) and the exhibition spaces are arrayed with any number of delights—we look forward to welcoming you in this summer!—greg anderson

third from right: Donald Hosie, architect of Sarjeant Gallery In mid-October I relocated with my family family with my In mid-October I relocated SarjeantGallery the to join Sydney from Relationships capacityof the in team working encompasses which role a Officer; many our and donors with Friends, communications, as well as stakeholders varied forms. in all its promotion PR and SarjeantGallery the know, well you As exhibitions are the a beautifulis space, such have to are we lucky how and terrific The events. of programme an interesting in fact Trust and the Gallery, of the work fundraising around community whole the a hill’ ‘back the up move making the and lucky very I feel inspirational. so is reality, exciting moment such an at joined have to Sarjeant News Relationships Officer Relationships arthur, —jaki Gallery Friends excitement and energy the by delighted Sarjeant Gallery of the are Friends The important passed the Council the after ignited has that the to progress to Sarjeant Redevelopment the allow now that resolutions in years many for working been have We construction. stage, exciting next support the We is. really it now happen and day one would it that hope the for grateful and impressed so are and SarjeantTrustendeavours its in all Friends the Recently Sarjeant. the to shown have many so commitment the has who Williams Trust Sarjeant Nicola of the Chair the to tree gifted a lemon The Friends project. the national attentionfor generate to tirelessly so worked staff and the as well as Anderson Greg Director mention to like also would impressive a truly are they effortscommitment, and their endorse further well was at which bee working Cottage Tylee a had have Friends The bunch. asset maintained to be a beautifully continues cottage the means and attended Friendsof the President , glenny within.—ian create to and artists access for to Gallery Inc. Sarjeant of the in the Sarjeant’s history. I look forward to meeting and working with the wider wider with the working meeting and forward I look to history. Sarjeant’s in the New Whanganui and throughout spread is which I know Sarjeant family Zealand.

4 SARJEANT QUARTERLY 66 Summer 2017–2018 Friends President Ian Glenny presents Nicola Williams with 5 a living gift in appreciation of SARJEANT QUARTERLY her tremendous support of the Gallery’s Redevelopment Project in her role as Chair of the Sarjeant Gallery Trust 66 Summer 2017–2018

A warm welcome to new Members Ian O’Brien, Jason Todd, Hera Smith, Marian Barclay & Joan Comrie-Smith, Kathleen Ann Henderson, Louisa Craig, Mary & John Rowan, Nick Flaws, Veronica Maxey, Margot & Brian Walden and Mandy Cresswell. The Gallery is pleased to acknowledge the following as Corporate Members and Corporate Sponsors: ASB Bank, Belton, Smith & Associates Ltd., Central City Pharmacy, ComputerCare NZ Ltd, Forbo Flooring Systems, Kensington Swan, Mars Pet Care, Meteor Office Products Depot, NZME, Moore Stephens Markhams Wanganui, Nicola Williams, Pamela M J Williams, pattillo Ltd., PR & AB Warnock, Te Reo Irirangi O Whanganui – AWA FM, Wanganui Chronicle and Whanganui UCOL – Creative Programmes We value the support of our Corporate Members and Sponsors and encourage you to utilise their services whenever possible.

During her time in Whanganui and subsequently over the last year year last the over subsequently Whanganui and in time During her around’ a ‘wander leftfor she and town home Fairclough’s is Whanganui

25 November 2017–11 February 2018 2017–11 February 25 November Common Ground Common and 2007–2014works Selected works 2016–2017 residency Cottage Tylee Fairclough Wendy As a child Wendy Fairclough remembers visiting the Whanganui Regional Regional Whanganui visiting the remembers Fairclough Wendy child a As objects associated housed that displays by being fascinated Museum and were these Amongst Māori. and European gathering and with hunting for were which weirs) an important (eel of pā tuna component hīnaki—eel pots, the into then and a net guide into eels used to water in the placed fences and recognising was I that understand “Icomments now Fairclough hīnaki. It hand.” and mind human of the creativity and ingenuity the appreciating inspiration provided that museum visiting the of memory enduring this was at artist-in-residence was while she work of body a new make to Fairclough for and common the in ongoing interest her on expand works These TyleeCottage. everyday (ie gatheringour experiences foodobjects) shape that necessary and lives. featuring twelve night... at Rain works, new major three made has Fairclough upon viewers towards shimmer that glass grey dark cast in pale and eels Nā a Māori proverb its title from takes work second The gallery. the entry to food my and food basket, your (With iwi te ai ora ka rourou nā taku rourou, tō with effort collaborative a was work This people). will sustain the we basket, tutor and weaver Māori a traditional TrinaTaurua, sister-in-law Fairclough’s based in Marton. bronze-caster Wilson—a Ross and Aotearoa o Wānanga Te at withcarrying identified specifically kumara were that kete three wove Taurua on the pictured (as Yield work, third The small Māori potatoes. rarer the and of fruits and cornucopia with a still life top a table is Quarterly) of this cover castobjectscastconcrete. alongside in glass from made vegetables She home. Australia made since has and eighteen of age the at Australia in Arts of Fine Degree a Bachelor completed she where settled in Adelaide

6 SARJEANT QUARTERLY 66 Summer 2017–2018 7 SARJEANT QUARTERLY 66 Summer 2017–2018

Wendy Fairclough Rain at Night 2017, cast lead crystal. Photo: Grant Hancock printmaking and sculpture at the South Australian School of Art in the early 1990s. Subsequently she followed up with adult education and undertook a glassblowing workshop with Nick Mount which motivated a return to Art School to study glass, and from which she graduated with an Applied Arts degree in 2000. Since then Fairclough has gone on to establish an impressive track record of exhibiting in Australia and overseas and her work is included in many private and public collections, including the national art museums of Australia and . To accompany Fairclough’s residency project, we have brought together a selection of her best works produced between 2007 and 2014, including elegant blown glass still life works and two impressive floor-based installations made from cast glass and concrete. This is the first time that Fairclough’s work has been seen enmasse in a New Zealand public gallery and the Sarjeant is delighted to be bringing her work home to Whanganui. greg donson, Curator & Public Programmes Manager

Generously supported by

can expect to see a shift in Stratton’s practice. practice. in Stratton’s a shift see canexpect to Histories Living to Visitors Stratton ceramics early on based are works new his used for Techniques signature the create to method an innovative developed has Stratton

Living Histories Living 2018 March 2017–11 9 December Stratton Richard on this achievement. on this as produced true function; their to as elusive remain works latest His objects. functionalof household right instead own in their pieces sculptural brutalism such as are movements architectural modernist to References three for immersed time Stratton’s to can be attributed and throughout, visible Denmark Guldagergaard, in residency Awards PortageCeramic in the months in 2015. during his Winter London in a harsh Thames on the while mudlarking found river, of the mud the from (fragments) sherds for Scavenging in Europe. time were predecessors ceramic our “processes the as influence this sites Stratton Pottery.” Zealand New early of backbone [which] the became by influenced works productionindustrial of European canbe seen in his influence The angles and strong with their Lost Page, and Legs Burden, Balanced such as century art 20th movements early the to back palette harkening colour earthy constructivism cubism and such as . pre-prepared decorating by process elaborate his He begins pieces. his to finish sandblasted, fired, bisque then which is work, builds a he before slabs clay Fifteen enigmatic new works by well-known New Zealand ceramicist Richard Richard ceramicist Zealand New well-known by works new enigmatic Fifteen Stratton: touring Dowse exhibition Museum Art The Richard up make Stratton object- our in works these host to Sarjeantdelighted is The . Histories Living to 2017 December, i-SITE from the above Quay, based galleryTaupō 31 at an added have also we exhibition, touring the In addition to 2018. March, by made , History of Living Whanganui showing the for selectionworks of was Richard year, and successful a prolific out Rounding in 2017. Stratton Portage the at Award Premier of the winner the as announced recently him congratulate sincerely to like would The Sarjeant 2017. Awards Ceramic

8 SARJEANT QUARTERLY 66 Summer 2017–2018 glazed and sandblasted again before it is finally waxed. This process creates a 9 slightly worn-looking patina and gives his works an appearance of age. For this body of work Stratton acquired a Shimpo Pugmill, a clay processing machine, which enabled him to work faster in his small studio at home and re-create historical European clay. It will be interesting to see what this new freedom in material evolves into next. Handmade limited edition tokens made by the artist are available for purchase from Sarjeant on the Quay from 9 December. jessica kidd, Assistant Curator

Richard Stratton Balanced Burden 2016. Exhibition developed Supported by Courtesy of Anna Miles Gallery, Auckland and toured by Richard Stratton Lost Page 2016. Courtesy of the James Wallace Arts Trust

from the Collection the from 2018 February 2017–25 2 December Enigmatic works Enigmatic Riddle

Summer 2017–2018 10 SARJEANT QUARTERLY 66 The Sarjeant Gallery’s collection has for nearly a century been enriched by 11 many generous gifts from both artists and patrons. This makes for a rich and SARJEANT QUARTERLY 66 varied collection that spans many different media and subject matter. This exhibition brings together a selection of recent additions to the collection and includes works that are intriguing and elusive in their use of materials, technique or subject matter. As its starting point are two generous gifts by Andrew Drummond and Mervyn Williams both of whom were former artists- in-residence at Tylee Cottage in 1987 and 1988 respectively. Both artists went on to become established names in New Zealand art history and thirty years later they both have an impressive track record of exhibiting, with their works Summer 2017–2018 included in public and private collections in New Zealand and abroad. For Mervyn Williams, his time in Whanganui at Tylee Cottage was a game-changer in terms of his practice and in 2016 Williams commented “All my preconceptions about what I might do here… were completely tipped upside down when I discovered what it was like to get out of an urban area and actually work in a very open space.” Sourcing driftwood from the mouth of the Whanganui River and Castlecliff Beach, Williams created a series of wooden constructions that were a radical shift from his paintings, but still possessed the same formalist concerns. Alongside works that the artist has just gifted to the gallery is Six Blue Bars painted in the year of his residency, which the gallery subsequently purchased. At the time the purchase was somewhat controversial with the Midweek newspaper calling for opinions, and one citizen writing “Whilst in all fairness, it may be technically perfect, I cannot imagine the good people of our fair city deriving any pleasure from it at all” and another from ‘Shirley’ which uncannily references the curatorial approach for this current exhibition “Six Blue Bars! I’m seeing stars! My thoughts are unprintable. A visual conundrum? My dictionary defines “conundrum” as a riddle turning on some odd or fanciful resemblance between things quite unlike; any puzzling question.” Readers were largely basing their opinions on a poor quality black & white photograph which certainly didn’t reveal the work’s extraordinary surface utilising Williams’ chiaroscuro painting technique which gives the illusion of three dimensionality. We’re not quite sure if Shirley would approve of this exhibition given that it’s a book of riddles but it includes some beautifully enigmatic works that are crying out to be encountered in the flesh. greg donson, Curator & Public Programmes Manager

Mervyn Williams Six Blue Bars 1987, acrylic on canvas. Collection of the Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui An ‘Explore the Collection’ Collection’ An ‘Explore the of a group showing page web colour with their object records left a panel is the To swatches. further to you allows that objects of group the refine on Clicking viewing. are you images thumbnail of the one detailed view to you allows object. information about the

The past few months we have been working closely with Vernon Systems Systems Vernon with closely working been have we months few past The new clever utilises also collection it but the to access does allow it only Not of recognition colour automated is features interesting most of the One

Following the successful redesign of the Sarjeant Gallery website in 2016 we we in 2016 Sarjeantwebsite Gallery of the redesign successful the Following collections awaited long our first time, the for that, announce to delighted are live. now is Collection’ ‘Explore the website on the facility online to system, collection management computerised our of supplier the Ltd, access to researchers and public enables which facility new the develop time. any at world in the anywhere collection from information aboutour knowledge prior no have who visitors for which maximise accessibility features collection the browse to ways innovative enable features These collection. our of make and site on the time spend more to visitors encourage will which exploring. whilst discoveries unexpected automatically This collectionwithin images. contained colours dominant the allow selected, once which, image each for swatches colour of a grouping creates colour. same the feature also that collection items other browse to visitor the can browse visitors so subject tags, generated automatically is feature Another the refine to you enables panel A left hand ‘wave’. or ‘tree’ such as using terms artist artist including name, various parameters viewing by are you results

Search the entire the Search Sarjeant Gallery collectiononline

Summer 2017–2018 12 SARJEANT QUARTERLY 66 13 SARJEANT QUARTERLY 66 Summer 2017–2018

nationality, by object type such as painting, and even by image orientation. ‘Explore the Collection’ links into other data sources seamlessly including Wikipedia and Digital NZ. When the visitor clicks on the artist’s name to view biographical information, they can also click through to view more information about the artist on Wikipedia (if there is a Wikipedia page available). The use of automatically generated content has enabled us to present a far greater range of exploration to the virtual visitor than would have been possible had we been reliant on manual data entry to add these details. The automation has also allowed us to present a world class search capability at a very low cost. Vernon Systems Ltd and the Sarjeant Gallery co-authored a paper showcasing ‘Explore the Collection’. Very excitingly the proposal has been accepted for presentation at the upcoming Museums & the Web conference in April 2018 in Vancouver, Canada—an unprecedented opportunity for us to share the Sarjeant Gallery story and it’s collection on an international stage. Please visit ‘Explore the Collection’ at https://collection.sarjeant.org.nz/explore I encourage you to try it out! jennifer taylor moore, Curator of Collections

2016. 2016. Legs Stratton Richard Auckland Gallery, of Anna Miles Courtesy 10 march–13 may 2018 10 march–13 may 2018 Whanganui Arts Review Upcoming—Autumn 2018 season Upcoming—Autumn UPSTAIRS AT THE i-SITE, THE i-SITE, AT UPSTAIRS QUAY TAUPŌ 31 march 2017–11 2018 9 december History Living Stratton: Richard artist , History In Living of a series presents Stratton Richard in interest his continues that work new decoration ceramic bringing together art histories productionand techniques, exhibition This is socialand narratives. Art Museum and Dowse the by toured Zealand. New Creative supported by 19 december 2017–7 january 2018 january 2017–7 19 december Motorbikes local from bikes classic of display A Whanganui’s with coincide to collectors Circuit. Cemetery Day Boxing annual

@sarjeantgallery www.facebook.com/SarjeantGallery sarjeantgallery

EXHIBITIONS For more information & to keep keep to information & more For up to date with news & events visit: visit: events & with news date to up sarjeant.org.nz 2 december 2017–25 february 2018 february 2017–25 2 december Hill On the the Sarjeant of Depicting Century A the from works A small selectionof SarjeantGallery’s by collection inspired Gallery building of the architecture the Park. Queens on 2 december 2017–25 february 2018 february 2017–25 2 december Riddle Collection the from Works Enigmatic additions a selectionof recent by Inspired exhibition this Sarjeantcollection, the to intriguing are and that works features technique of materials, use in their elusive subject matter. or AT 38 TAUPŌ QUAY TAUPŌ 38 AT 2018 2017–11 february 25 november Ground Common : Fairclough Wendy Cottage Tylee and 2007-2014works Selected 2016-2017 works bornWhanganui Australian-based, artist- was Fairclough artistglass Wendy Tylee at in 2016. Cottage in-residence cast glass new features Ground Common exploring and Māori works bronze and alongside Running foodsources. European from work a selection artist’s is this the of supported by Generously 2007-2014. Current—summer season Current—summer

Summer 2017–2018 14 SARJEANT QUARTERLY 66 TALKS & EVENTS saturday 30 december, 5pm 15 Floor Talk: Classic Bike Display SARJEANT QUARTERLY 66 All events are free and are at 38 Taupō Local classic bike enthusiasts Quay unless otherwise stated. Andrew Kidd, Bill James and Gregory Williamson will discuss their bikes friday 8 december, 7.30pm on display at Sarjeant on the Quay to (at The Musician's Club, 65 Drews Ave) coincide with the Cemetery Circuit The Danberrys 2018, in conversation with Operations The Danberrys are led by Tennessee- Manager Teresa Toy. born couple Ben DeBerry and Dorothy Daniel - a truly unique pair of artists. thursday 18 january, 2pm Dorothy’s luxuriously smoky voice and

Art Fix with Greg Donson Summer 2017–2018 Ben’s intricate acoustic guitar flatpicking, Join Curator & Public Programmes creates a sound drawing influences from Manager Greg Donson for a walk Bluegrass, Country, Blues, and the Funk/ through the Wendy Fairclough Soul traditions. Performing as a trio with exhibition Common Ground featuring Vanessa McGowan (Tattletale Saints) on work made as a result of her 2016 upright bass. residency, alongside selected works from Tickets $20, Gallery Friends & Stars $18; 2007–2014. purchase from Sarjeant on the Quay or Cash bar available 7 by phoning 349 0506. tuesday 6 february, 7.30pm to 7.30pm & during the interval. Talk: Brit Bunkley & Andrea Gardner Brit and Andrea will give an illustrated saturday 9 december, 11am talk on their recent visit to documenta Floor Talk: Wendy Fairclough - an exhibition of contemporary art Wendy Fairclough will discuss her which takes place every five years in new exhibition Common Ground in Kassel, Germany. They will also discuss conversation with Greg Donson, Curator the Sculpture Projects Münster and the & Public Programmes Manager. Venice Biennale 2017. saturday 9 december, 2pm sunday 18 february 2018, 4.30pm (at 31 Taupō Quay above the i-SITE) Speaker for the Sarjeant: Athol Steward Floor Talk: Richard Stratton Athol Steward will discuss his recent Richard Stratton will reveal tales coastal walk from Raglan to Whanganui about mudlarking on the banks of the to raise awareness of the planned deep river Thames and the labour intensive seabed mining off the West Coast of New processes that go into making his Zealand. intricate works in Living History. thursday 22 february, 2pm saturday 9 december, 5.30pm–7pm Art Fix with Tom Turner Summer Exhibition season opening Join Tom Turner for a friendly chat about the exhibition Riddle: Enigmatic Works from the Collection.You are encouraged to bring a pen and pad. This will be followed by a cup of tea at Mud Ducks. GALLERY SHOP Open 7 days 10.30am–4.30pm