Ambience, gallery draw artists back

SATELLITE DISH: Peter Black photograph, 1990, black and white gelatin print.

The Sarjeant Gallery welcomes thousands of out-of-towners - national and international - through its doors annually, many of whom claim to be return visitors.

I was curious to find out who some of these regular visitors were and what they loved about this town and the treasures at the Sarjeant.

Wellington artists Peter Black and Mary Macpherson have work in the Sarjeant's permanent collection and try to fit in regular trips to Wanganui. They were happy to share a few memories and stories with me.

How often do you visit Wanganui and the Sarjeant?

We might go to Wanganui once or twice a year, usually if there's an art or cultural event on that interests us. We always feel really positive about a chance to jump in the car and make the trip.

What do you love about Wanganui?

It's probably something to do with the ambience of the city - the historic buildings, older style shop windows, the trees and planting, good food and, of course, the Sarjeant Gallery. It's simply a nice place to hang out in.

We always find it a stimulating place to photograph in as well - in Peter's recent work 'the grass is awfully green' there's an important photograph of a bee with spring blossoms which came from Wanganui.

Are there any places in Wanganui you enjoy visiting each time you come?

The Sarjeant Gallery has got to be a major port of call for us and Paul McNamara's excellent photography gallery. We've also got a weakness for George's Fish and Chips.

It may sound curious but we also just enjoy walking the streets and taking in the different sense of space, culture and architecture - as photographers that's important to us.

Do you have a favourite work in the collection or exhibition that you've seen at the Sarjeant?

We're always impressed by the quality and breadth of the shows and the depth of the Sarjeant collection.

It's important to have a public gallery that shows such a range of work, from leading contemporary artists through to historic work like Edith Collier - that alone makes it a New Zealand treasure.

We also really appreciate the regular inclusion of photographs in exhibitions and the solo photographic shows.

How do you feel about having your own work in the Sarjeant collection?

We're delighted to be part of the collection. The focus on photography over the years (along with other mediums) means it's really special for photographic artists like us to be included in a collection of such depth.

How do you think the Sarjeant Gallery benefits Wanganui?

We think the Sarjeant Gallery is a major Wanganui attraction. People we talk to really seem to love it as a space and as a place to look at art. Hopefully the redevelopment will only enhance its appeal.

Are you working on any projects at the moment that you can let us in on?

Mary has just finished a major series called Bent which is about how the lives of trees are affected by human needs. Currently she is experimenting with some new photographic ideas.

Peter is working on his ongoing series about New Zealand. A short film about his work should also be available this year.

The work of Peter Black and Mary Macpherson is available to view on their websites - www.marymmac.weebly.com and www.peterblackphotos.com