kiwi artists get creative with ideas on sustainability

Some news for those of you who whipped away over the long weekend – Auckland Art Gallery kicked off an awesome new exhibition. The opening of Freedom Farmers: New Zealand Artists Growing Ideas on Saturday 26th October saw the start of the largest overview of new contemporary art in New Zealand today. This free exhibition sees twenty artists engage with ideas of sustainability, demonstrating how creative thinkers act as leaders and innovators in New Zealand. “Freedom Farmers gives visitors an opportunity to explore how artists have examined tried and true values of New Zealand society, our care of the environment, our ability to live creatively and with freedom,” says Auckland Art Gallery Curator of Contemporary Art Natasha Conland. “Our opening weekend offers rolling artist talks, an overview by myself, pottery demonstration, and leads into an exceptionally dynamic visitor programme over the four months.”   The events programme features a mix of performances, guest lectures, special events and ongoing artist talks. Upcoming event highlights include: 3 November, 3pm: FREE Artist Talks listen to artist Xin Cheng discuss her work with University of Auckland Senior Lecturer in Fine Arts, Allan Smith 10 November, 1pm: FREE World-famous Bogan expert Dr Dave Snell talks on this unique and interesting subculture 17 November, 1pm: FREE Learn about traditional Māori bush medicine with Ricki Bennett 26 November, 6-9pm: $10 Late Night Event: A panel discussion on creative living featuring prominent New Zealand thinkers, including Eco Store Founder Malcolm Rands, The University of Auckland neuroscientists, historians and others. Hosted by Kim Hill Freedom Farmers: New Zealand Artists Growing Ideas from 26 October to 23 February 2014. Entry is free. You can get more information at www.aucklandartgallery.com and see below for a list of all artists showing:

• Edith Amituanai
• Dan Arps
• Wayne Barrar
• Martin Basher
• Mladen Bizumic
• Dorota Broda
• Steve Carr
• Xin Cheng
• Stella Corkery
• Tessa Laird
• Allan McDonald
• Richard Maloy
• Louise Menzies
• Shannon Novak
• Ava Seymour
• Shannon Te Ao and Iain Frengley
• Isobel Thom
• Francis Upritchard