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13 July 1999 |
Artist Explores Dislocation and Isolation
Peter Robinson: Point of Infinite Density
23 July – 29 August, 1999
McDougall Contemporary Art Annex
Having recently returned to Christchurch from Germany, well known New Zealand artist Peter Robinson has created an installation in the McDougall Contemporary Art Annex which conveys a sense of cultural dislocation and alienation.
Featuring images and phrases drawn from popular science fiction, the news media, alien abduction and the internet, this large-scale installation creates an environment of isolation and confusion in the Gallery. Images such as black holes, desert islands, and koru-like lines spiralling away into nothingness foster a feeling of uncertainty in the visitor. Inverted and ambiguous phrases suggest that language can be a barrier as well as an aid to understanding.
Robinson has drawn on his personal experience as a New Zealander in Europe, and focuses on the loneliness and sense of exile created by being separated from one’s culture and language. This new work grows out of his earlier examination of culture and identity, particularly in relation to his own career path.
Robinson has exhibited widely in New Zealand and after the completion of this exhibition he will take up a year-long fellowship as the 1999 Kunstlerhaus Bethanien Artist in Residence in Berlin.
Floortalks: Two floortalks accompanying the exhibition will take place on Sunday, 25 July at 11.00am, and Thursday, 29 July at 1.00pm. Both talks will be held at the McDougall Contemporary Art Annex. Admission is free. An After Dark: Talk About Art! viewing and discussion of Robinson’s installation will also be held on Thursday 26 August 6pm, at the McDougall Contemporary Art Annex (tickets $5.00).
The Robert McDougall Art Gallery, located in the Botanic Gardens, is the country’s most visited public art gallery, featuring regularly changing exhibitions of international and New Zealand historical and contemporary art. The McDougall Contemporary Art Annex, located in the Christchurch Arts Centre, features international, national and local contemporary exhibitions. Both galleries are open daily. Hours are 10 am to 4.30pm. Free daily guided tours are available on request and admission is free.
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