KEY POINTS:
An obnoxious alpaca, a depressive hero and a wall of severed heads - the new exhibition from graffiti artist Misery will take you away to a dark and twisted fairytale world.
The Auckland based artist will present new works at her solo exhibition Holly Melancholy and the Night that Saved the Day, which opens in Auckland tomorrow. The show will feature lots of Misery's signature dejected looking girls, as well as other mixed media to showcase the twisted magical world of her heroine Holly Melancholy.
Misery, also known as Tanya, has built up a strong fanbase for her unique brand of graffiti street art with a dark and whimsical twist, and has already held exhibitions in Berlin, Melbourne, Paris and Los Angeles. Her Auckland exhibition runs from August 14 until August 22 at Webb's in Newmarket. Misery will give a talk on August 22, and there will be a reading by poet Tourettes.
TEN THINGS
1 My little red ukulele called Tinito
My mum and sister gave her to me for my birthday. We all have one: Mum's is Moo Moo, Meg's is Mitzi. I'm not so great at playing unfortunately, but I enjoy it lots. It's my relaxing thing to do before I go to sleep.
2 My most gorgeous french bulldog Lulu
I love her very much. She's almost 4 years old. I haven't seen her much lately as all my time is spent working towards my up and coming exhibition, Holly Melancholy and the Night that saved the Day. She stays at the beach with my mum and her pug dog buddy Ted. We love going for bush walks in Woodhill Forest and swimming at Muriwai beach in summer.
3 My Miss Van limited edition silk screen poster
Miss Van, a French graffiti/fine artist, was someone I really looked up to when I began making street art as she was one of the few other females doing street painting prolifically in the world. She gave me this print in Berlin a few years ago. I love all of her sassy voluptuous beauty queens.
4 My Gold Metal Couture swallow heart ring
This is my favourite piece of jewellery. It was a swap with my very talented jeweller friend William Griffiths. He has a beautiful boutique jewellery store in Fitzroy, Melbourne, check him out at www.metalcouture.com.
5 Palm Springs Hot Pools at Parakai
It's so, so good! I go here with my girlfriends, drink wine and soak for hours. They play Coast radio and make good greasy fish burgers and chips. It's awesome in winter. I don't think it's been revamped since it was opened in the 70s! Half-working coloured party lights and spearmint green walls, with a lovely bamboo lounge dining area.
6 My series of mounted Misery girl heads
I have been making these with my props and set designer friend John Oz. It has been so exciting seeing these girls come to life and especially seeing my characters in a 3D form. They are all very cute, even if dead and mounted on shields. They come adorned with bunny ears, bear ears, horns and crystal blood drops. The girls will be a part of my show at Webb's Gallery, opening on August 14.
7 My friends and family
I am incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such amazing, loving, supportive and talented people. They make me laugh lots and remember what is most important in life. I love making feasts and having dinner parties with them.
8 My collection of Mexican trinkets
There is this awesome little store in Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco run by the cutest old hippie couple in the world. When I'm there I can't help but buy up as many of their Mexican crafts as possible. My favourite is this carved wooden shrine with tiny roses made of orange peel. It's beautiful, with such intricate detail.
9 My studio
It's a huge, huge mess right now - there is paint and giant plush vampire flowers everywhere, but when it's slightly more tidy it's my favourite place to be productive. I love having my organised clutter of toys and art books and drawings all around me. I love my old kauri drawing desk my late friend Martin Emond left to me.
10 My Apple powerbook lap top
I can't live without it. It comes everywhere with me!
