Culture

It’s probably become obvious to those who regularly read Critic’s art section that the majority of exhibitions I write about are “official” ones. What I mean by this is that these exhibitions, curated by various art galleries around the city, feature New Zealand artists who are well established nationally, if not internationally. But I’m not gonna lie. While I certainly appreciate such displays, the exhibitions I truly enjoy reviewing are those that hit a little closer to home – artworks created or curated by unknown artists or unestablished students. “It’s A Small World, Painted” is one of these gems, allowing people of all shapes, sizes, and ages the chance to display their works to the public in a very special, intimate setting.

The exhibition is the brainchild of third year Dunedin School of Art student Georgia Glass, who organised the entire venture after discovering an empty hallway in her flat on Albany Street. To make use of the space she decided to exhibit a collection of miniature artworks, which twelve New Zealanders created specially following a call for submissions. The variety of works is stunning, incorporating a wide range of mediums, styles, and subjects. Philippa Jones’ gorgeous acrylic glass artworks contemplate how humanity deals with flux and change through object scenarios; Gareth Blackler’s quirky portraits of owls and foxes showcase his fascination with Seventies psychedelia and ancient mythology; Alex Scott’s attention to detail is magnified tenfold on her rather unusual choice of canvas – the humble matchbox. There is something for everyone in this complex and diverse collection. Moving from artist to artist yields startling, abrupt, and sometimes disorienting (though not unpleasantly so) changes in mood and emotion.

While the artworks are gorgeous, what really makes the exhibition stand out is the experience itself. The problem Glass faced in attempting to convert the hallway into a mini gallery was lighting – namely, the fact that there was none. This dilemma was solved when Glass managed to find a couple of hand-held lanterns, which make viewing the collection a much more personal and concentrated experience. She says, “having the space lit only by a hand-held lantern induces a certain intimacy as the works can only be properly viewed alone. The light creates a tunnel-like field of vision, a singular focus that mimics the sensation of art observation.” It’s certainly an ingenious solution to an awkward problem, and makes the exhibition that much more inviting and memorable. That’s probably an understatement, to be honest. I squealed like a little girl when I saw the lanterns. Luckily I was the only one at the exhibition at the time so no one had to witness my embarrassing fangirl moment.

I’m sure it goes without saying, but another reason “It’s A Small World, Painted” impressed me so much was because all the work and initiative behind it came from the interest of one student. Often I feel the Scarfie image implies Dunedin students’ only interests are drinking, sex, and couch burning. And while we undoubtedly enjoy all those things (in moderation, of course), creativity and ingenuity are important to us too. Thanks Georgia, for showing us how it’s done.