10 November, 1997

ADVANCE SCHEDULE OF EXHIBITIONS AT THE ROBERT McDOUGALL ART GALLERY & ANNEX

The Robert McDougall is Christchurch’s public art gallery which features regularly changing exhibitions of international and New Zealand historical and contemporary art. The McDougall Art Annex is one of New Zealand’s leading contemporary art venues. The Robert McDougall Art Gallery is located behind the Canterbury Museum in the Botanic Gardens off Rolleston Avenue. The McDougall Art Annex is situated across the road in the Arts Centre, Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch. Hours are 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. every day from Labour weekend to Easter inclusive. Winter hours are 10 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday. Admission is free.

Nb. Italicised text indicates shows which are on in the McDougall Annex, the Gallery’s contemporary space in the Arts Centre.

Exhibitions:

Caroline Williams: There

30 October, 1997 - 18 January, 1998

This exhibition focuses on Williams’ paintings between 1987 and 1994 which deal with man-made constructions and disasters in the landscape. Initiated by the University of Melbourne, There presents new ways of considering notions of the sublime.

Cranleigh Barton Drawing Award

31 October - 30 November,1997

This biennial art award and exhibition highlights the drawing skills of emergent and more established artists from around the country, each vying for first place and a prize of $3000.

Flowers into Landscape: Margaret Stoddart 1865-1934

19 November, 1997 - 8 February, 1998

As the first significant Canterbury born watercolourist and New Zealand’s foremost flower painter, Margaret Stoddart’s specialised botanical interest has given her a national identity and recognition. Although the artist also worked abroad Stoddart’s New Zealand work will make up the principal emphasis of the exhibition.

Frances Hodgkins

22 November, 1997 - 25 January, 1998

Brought to New Zealand by the British Council to tour New Zealand during 1997, the fiftieth anniversary since Hodgkins’ death, a selection of this expatriate’s works will be on display at the McDougall alongside those in the Gallery’s collection. Sponsored by the Link project.

Sculpture in the Gardens

26 November,1997 - 3 April,1998

This biennial sculptural installation in the Botanic Gardens takes the theme, this summer, of a kinetic nature featuring the work of Len Lye, Evan Webb and Randall Watson.

Nam June Paik: TV Garden

5 December-, 1997 - 11 January, 1998

First created in 1974, this installation has been reconstituted numerous times with updating along the way. It features approximately 40 televisions placed in the lush surrounds of tropical plants, music, art and electronics. Toured by City Gallery, Wellington.

Now Showing

23 January - 1 March, 1998

Ten contemporay New Zealand artists who do not usually work in the area of photography have been commissioned to make photographs which consider the influence of cinema on their work. This exhibition is organised by Exhibitour New Zealand.

Recent Acquisitions

7 February-14 June, 1998

Ralph Hotere: Out the Black Window

5 February-19 April, 1998

A survey exhibition of this Dunedin artist is curated by Wellington writer and lecturer Gregory O’Brien and will be touring the country. This survey focuses on Hotere’s collaborative work with New Zealand writers and is being toured by Wellington’s City Gallery.

Lee Miller: Photographer

25 February-26 April, 1998

This internationally-touring exhibition shows the brilliance of one of the mid-20th Century’s foremost woman photographers. Lee Miller was a remarkably talented and dedicated photographer whose own face graced the cover of Vogue. Among the photographs are still-lifes, views of Egypt, Britain, France, portraits of great artists and personalities, the Normandy landings and the extraordinary images of Dachau.

Pre-Millenial - Ronnie Van Hout and Michael Stevenson

24 April-31 May, 1998

Christchurch artist Ronnie Van Hout has collaborated with Auckland artist Mike Stevenson to develop this installation which is touring New Zealand and Australia.

Ria Bancroft

6 May-21 June 1998

Sculptor Ria Bancroft exhibited with The Group until 1977. Her sculptures have been commissioned for particular sites and are also found in private collections throughout the country. As a devout Roman Catholic, the creation of religious sculpture was an important part of Bancroft’s practice.

Constructed Realities

20 June-23 August, 1998

This group show features New Zealand contemporary art both real and surreal in nature.

Reckoning with the Past

1 July-6 September, 1998

An exhibition of contemporary Chinese painting initiated by the Fruitmarket Gallery for the Edinburgh Festival of the Arts. Features 66 works by 15 artists.

Benjamin Mountfort

17 September-15 November, 1998

A collection of Gothic Revival drawings and photographs from this well-known architect whose designs include Canterbury Museum, Provincial Council Chambers and what is now the Christchurch Arts Centre. This show will be part of a city-wide celebration of Mountfort’s life and work.

John Edgar: Lie of the Land

29 August-25 October, 1998

A nationally-touring exhibition of stone sculptures exploring how real and imaginary concepts of “the land” have become embedded into our culture and have taken on the power of icons, influencing our behaviour, our identity, and the very way that we present ourselves to the world.

Goldie

12 December, 1998-7 March, 1999

This touring exhibition initiated by the Auckland Art Gallery, features the outstanding work of artist Charles Frederick Goldie, whose Maori portraits have made him a household name.

NOTE: All exhibitions in italics are those being shown in the McDougall’s contemporary space, the Art Annex. The information listed is subject to change; dates and titles should be confirmed with the Robert McDougall’s Publicity and Marketing Officer (03) 372-2981.

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