Kees Bruin's reality on show
Well-known local artist Kees Bruin has created an enigmatic and intriguing world in the Christchurch Art Gallery with a new exhibition of super-realist paintings.
Bruin's works are popular and eagerly sought by collectors. "Within the context of New Zealand realist painting Kees Bruin's work is unique and his technical ability is unrivalled," says Gallery Senior Curator Neil Roberts.
Working in a photo-realist or "visionary realist" style, Bruin's works are made of carefully organised layers of ideas and symbolic meanings, filled with places, people and images of the artist's own invention. Elements of the past, present and a visionary future are interwoven.
"I manipulate and reinterpret photographs, combined with memories and sometimes studies from life, to fit my vision," the artist says.
The 25 works on show represent a number of Bruin themes — landscape, the figure in space, interior space, reflections and historical allusion.
Landscapes such as Imaginary Garden (1990 at left) reveal Bruin's interest not just in physical nature but also in how atmospheric effects and light can change a simple, familiar landscape into something with grandeur and presence.
Other works clearly allude to elements from history and religious themes dominate. "His art and his faith are inseparable and very little he paints is not in some way an expression of this," says Neil Roberts.
- The exhibition runs until 7 May and there are a number of events related to it, including a chance to meet the artist at 6pm on 15 March. For more information, look online at http://www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz/ or call 941-7300.
- Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu is open daily from 10am-5pm, with a 9pm closing on Wednesdays. There is car parking beneath the building (off Gloucester St).
Imaginary Garden 1990, Kees Bruin. Private Collection.
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