Update: Many thanks to all who made it to the show! Rieko and I were totally overwhelmed by the amount of people who joined us for the opening night. Rieko sold all her work during the opening and we got very nice feedback from everybody! Images of the opening and the artwork can be found on Flickr or Facebook!
I would like to thank Thistle Hall for hosting the show, Inverlochy Art School for their support, Sophie for being her beautiful self and helping me with the set-up and Stefan Lehmann for taking the pictures, Jonno and Rieko for their patience with my totally stressed-out self.
Open: 30 November – 4 December 2011
Opening: Tuesday, 29 November, 6:00pm
Opening hours: 11am – 7pm Wednesday – Sunday.
The artists will be at the gallery Friday afternoon as well as Saturday and Sunday.
The very old and much loved soft toys depicted in Rieko’s portraits seem to be reluctant to reveal their stories, where as her anthropomorphic animals are placed in sceneries that seem to be taken from almost forgotten childhood tales. Both subjects have a curious nature giving the viewer a window into their character and feelings. Her acrylic paintings are influenced by the pop surrealism movement while maintaining a romantic innocence. Originated in Japan and now based in Wellington, Rieko studies at Inverlochy Art School. This is her 2nd exhibition
Rabbit Portrait by Rieko
Minu’s creations are influenced by european folk tales and traditional book illustration, as well as the contemporary illustrations in pop and street art culture. Her cute characters reveal an often melancholic and almost mischievous side at the second glance. Originated in Germany minu now works as illustrator, printmaker and toymaker in Wellington. Her work is known from her participation in several group shows in Wellington as well as her appearances at the New Zealand Artshow in 2010 and 2011. Her prints and toys are available in selected galleries and online. The show contains a selection of her prints from 2008 to 2011 as well as new work.
The Raccoon, Art Toy by minu
