A 1940s car bonnet adorned with a portrait of the astronomer Beatrice Hill is one of the artworks featured in the third iteration of the Home Work exhibition which opens at Puke Ariki Museum in New Plymouth today.
A section of the car bonnet featuring astronomer Beatrice Hill. Photo: Supplied
More than 140 Taranaki artists submitted works including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, jewellery and textiles for the exhibition from which Puke Ariki curator Laura Campbell and artists Ngāhina Hohaia and Reuben Paterson have selected 57 for the show.
Campbell said for this year's Home Work exhibition - it last ran in 2017 - the museum wanted new and unseen pieces that interpreted the theme of 'Tuku Iho' or the celebration of traditions passed down through generations.
David Le Fleming submitted the car bonnet work featuring Beatrice Hill.
Hill left New Plymouth for the United States and went on to become a leading expert in the evolution of galaxies.
Le Fleming said the piece acknowledged the achievements of Taranaki people who had lived in the region in the past.
A fan of the Home Work exhibition, Le Fleming said it highlighted the strength of the arts scene in the region.
"Being far from famous art schools and renowned artistic centres is a gift, and allows the scene to develop its own sense of identity."
The exhibition runs until 8 February and will feature artist workshops, virtual reality experiences, floor talks and a blank mural canvas available as an activity for children during the September-October school holidays.
Home Work fast facts:
- This is the third Home Work exhibition by Puke Ariki.
- 140 pieces were submitted by established and emerging local talent.
- 57 pieces were selected and cover a wide range of media - painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, jewellery and textiles.
- The largest piece is MiSun Kim's Birth painting (measuring 1900 x 1500mm) and the smallest piece is Belinda Lubkoll's delicate diamond and sterling silver necklace.
- Artworks not sold in the exhibition will be returned to artists.
- The exhibition will run until 8 February 2021 and will be accompanied by a series of workshops, floor talks and virtual reality experiences.