Laura Vodanovich: From the MTG

LAST CHANCE: Time is running out to view the Warwick Freeman exhibition, which closes at 5pm Sunday.

This weekend is the last chance to see The Family Jewels, an exhibition of art jewellery by Warwick Freeman.

A renowned New Zealand designer, Warwick was part of the Bone Stone Shell movement of the 1980s - a group of (mostly) Pakeha jewellers who started looking to natural materials in the immediate environment for their inspiration and source materials, rather than to European metals and gemstones. This was a significant turning point in the development of a unique New Zealand jewellery identity.

I was delighted when Warwick approached me to see if I'd be interested in his show and, like the Lalique exhibition, I leapt at the opportunity to showcase the work of this master craftsman of significant national and international standing.

This exhibition provides a rare opportunity to see so many Warwick Freeman works on display at one time and I hope, if you haven't already seen his works, you'll take the opportunity before the weekend ends.

Warwick gets his inspiration from both natural and artificial objects around him, exploring their shape and integrity in his designs. He's particularly inspired by shapes that are seen time and time again, across cultures as well as in nature. These common forms (such as the four-pointed star - which can be seen in flowers, tap handles, ninja stars, tiles, and so on) are then made specific to New Zealand by the materials that he uses.

Often distilling complex objects down to their cleanest silhouette, a casual glance can trick the viewer into thinking these are simple objects, but a longer inspection will reveal the depth of thought and design in each piece.

The owners of the pieces on display were reluctant to give up their beloved treasures and consequently Warwick made a complete new set for the purposes of this re-shown exhibition. Coupled with carefully considered photography of each piece with its owner, this little show is well worth an exploration.

As we head towards the Art Deco Festival and Te Matatini it is of course important that the museum is full of a variety of rich and engaging displays for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.

Replacing The Family Jewels will be Tuturu, an exhibition developed in collaboration with the recently-formed arts collective Iwi Toi Kahungunu. This will showcase the works of established and emerging Kahungunu artists alongside tukutuku panels in contemporary materials using customary techniques.

Meanwhile, Speedlines and Ziggurats provides something for the Art Deco enthusiasts. Within the city there are many commercial Art Deco buildings to enjoy (highly recommend doing so on a tour with the Art Deco Trust guides if you haven't yet).

In contrast, Speedlines and Ziggurats pulls things back to a very personal level looking at domestic homes and architecture.

With beautifully shot black and white photographs of Hawke's Bay Art Deco homes, accompanied by interior footage and a stunning Art Deco-inspired dolls house, this exhibition is not one to be missed.

Events:

Warwick Freeman floor talk today 11am, free with museum entry.

Cemetery Tours with social history curator Gail Pope are fully booked for January but spaces are still available for 2pm on February 26 and March 26 Mar. $12 per person - bookings essential ph 06 835 7781.

* Laura Vodanovich is the director of the Museum Theatre Gallery (MTG) Hawke's Bay