MIKE: A few weeks ago I described how stunning I had found the exhibition of Euan Macleod's art at the Sarjeant, so it was a real bonus to hear Greg O'Brien discuss the painter and his works recently. Well known in literary circles, O'Brien is both a friend and admirer of the artist and curated this exhibition which is travelling round the country.
In his address, O'Brien, eloquent and loquacious, placed emphasis on the powerful figure often depicted by Macleod as being in the landscape tradition of New Zealand, pointing to a similarity with images of Petrus van der Velden. He also linked it with the written word in John Mulgan's Man Alone and Maurice Gee's Ellie and the Shadow Man. In O'Brien's view, the keynotes of Macleod's paintings would be 'place, texture, grittiness of being alive'. In many of the paintings the artist himself is that lone figure, while his father is often included too, usually in a boat. An interesting point was raised when the speaker stated that the underwater walker in one canvas was based on Odysseus, the adventurer-cum-wanderer of Homer's epic, the Odyssey. In my previous article I made reference to Charon, the ferryman of the dead over the River Styx, and, if there were Classical influences at play in Macleod's work, Barrowman, pushing, with back bent and straining, a barrow laden with a huge boulder, definitely resembles a modern Sisyphus. Maybe not eternal punishment, but certainly perpetual struggles faced in life. As O'Brien asked, "Where is the man going? Where has he come from? What is he doing and why?"
We were given a brief account of Macleod's background. Born in Christchurch, he studied at Ilam, much influenced by his lecturer in photography, Laurence Aberhart, from whom he learned the importance of landscape. In the early 80s he moved to Australia, embracing the atmosphere of bush, rivers and desert. His first Australian painting was bought by the eminent novelist, Patrick White, who later gifted it to Woolongong Art Gallery. In 1993 he returned to New Zealand to take up a Fellowship at Ilam, a period when he painted several scenes of Lyttleton Harbour, such as Seated Solitary Figure. He enjoyed working 'en plein air', sketching scenes he could later develop in the studio, 'a connection between humanity and nature'. The strength of Macleod's work is quite compelling, overpowering indeed. If you haven't yet seen it, you still have the chance to do so, as the exhibition continues until August 6.
JOAN: Last Saturday was an especially gloomy day. The sun made no appearance and the wind was cold. My mood was bleak, to be honest. Then I walked into the present exhibition at 19 Taupo Quay and, as if the sun had just come out, the day became joyous as I was greeted by the work of members of Whanganui Creative Space.
The colours of their paintings were stunning, the subjects chosen were vital and expressive.
Karen, the Arts tutor and Paul, her dedicated side-kick, explained the theme behind such creative work. For the past eight Wednesdays, students who have come along to Arts @ The Centre (and there are 42 of them with a waiting list of 12 more!) have been invited to express This Is Me through their Art. Te Whare Tapawha is of relevance to all human beings. It is the concept that we need to keep the four elements of our lives strong. Spiritual health, emotional health, physical health and family health are the aspects of our personality which, like the walls of the meeting house, need constant attention and nurturing. Those who come along each week welcomed the chance to find together these aspects of living and, like all artists, express their thoughts and feelings in a meaningful and artistic way.
