Front Page of the Art World: What’s Hot & What’s Not — 30 April 2022
A new immersive digital art space in Wellington, Wētā's blockbuster WWI memorial, and some excellent news for NYC and Boston
You know you’re loosening the fetters of Omicron when you book flights for an exhibition across the country! I am just back from a trip to Wellington for the concept showing of a proposed new gallery. The Grid is an immersive digital art space envisioned for the capital city co-founded by Delainy Kennedy and Shannon Brosnahan Inglis, colleagues who worked on Joseph Michael’s Antarctica projections in 2019.
The preview exhibition showed works in development from Joseph Michael and Delainy Kennedy, with an immersive soundtrack by the brilliant composers Rhian Sheehan and Ed Zuccolo.
The Grid is “dedicated to cultivating and showcasing innovation in the arts, and will support artists to challenge the boundaries of imagination, offering audiences unparalleled art experiences.” It contains three spaces: The Box, for immersive wraparound projection and sound experiences; The Gallery, an adaptable exhibition space; and The Lab, a blank canvas development space for experimental works in progress.
With support, The Grid will also run workshops for motion designers, interactive artists, and creative technologists. It will maintain an accessible and sustainable art space with affordable ticket prices subsidised through funding and commercial partnerships.
“Funding and sponsor partnerships will support the establishment of a permanent art space in Wellington, creating a new home for digital art in Aotearoa.” Email delainy@thegridartspace.co.nz or shannon@thegridartspace.co.nz if you would like more information or would like to support!
Earlier in the week, I had the honour of having my story published in the New Zealand Herald. ‘My Story’ as told to journalist Elisabeth Easther shares all the big turning points in my life so far. All the while anchored to place by my daily ritual of making bread for friends and family. I’m very touched to have had family, old friends, new friends both from NZ and overseas chiming in with their support. And delighted that Pip the farm dog has made her Auckland debut! Special mention to Max and Zach my darling sons!
Speaking of furry art friends… here’s a picture to brighten your Saturday. The Bernar Venet sculpture, taken at Gibbs Farm last weekend.
What I’m following
Venice Biennale updates
Sonia Boyce Wins Top Prize at Venice Biennale. Boyce, the first Black woman to represent Britain at the Venice event, won the Golden Lion for her sound installation of five Black British female musicians singing a cappella. Read the story from the New York Times and The Guardian.
The Venice Biennale Power List: Here Is Every Gallery Representing an Artist at the 59th Edition of the Venice Biennale. Which gallery comes out on top? Read the story from Artnet.
Simon de Pury on How He Pulled Off a $1.3 Million Ukraine Fundraiser at the Venice Biennale. Even among the most glitzy events, the war was never far from anyone’s minds. Read the story from Artnet.
International acclaim for Yuki Kihara’s Paradise Camp. Last week, New Zealand’s pavilion opened in Venice with Yuki Kihara’s Paradise Camp. Dubbed one of the ‘must-see pavilions’ (The Art Newspaper) and one of 'three pavilions to see' (Art Review), Paradise Camp attracted 10,000 visitors in the first four days and has received some “Fa'afafabulous international acclaim” – more on this in Creative New Zealand’s media release.
You can enjoy and explore Paradise Camp using Virtual Explore on the CNZ website. Dive into this immersive, digital experience to hear Kihara speaking to her research and creation process, and Paradise Camp themes and stories. You can also view the artworks here.
Featured collateral exhibition - THE SOUL-EXPANDING OCEAN #3: Dineo Seshee Bopape at Ocean Space. TBA21–Academy presents a solo exhibition dedicated to the artist Dineo Seshee Bopape at Ocean Space. The exhibition is part of a two-year curatorial cycle entitled The Soul Expanding Ocean by Ocean Space’s 2021 and 2022 curator Chus Martínez. Discover the exhibition.
News & opinions
Wētā to open blockbuster Le Quesnoy exhibition in France's WWI battlefields. An ambitious new “living memorial” exhibition is opening next year in the battlegrounds of the First World War - well done to the incredible people who have made this happen - you know who you are! Read the story from the New Zealand Herald.
“If you’d like to do something that respectfully honours our past, creates an amazing place in the present that you can visit and immerse yourself in, and leaves a lasting legacy for the future, please consider donating to the charitable cause getting our New Zealand home up and running in France. Wētā Workshop will do an outstanding job for NZ. Join the other Kiwis who have helped fund this project to get it open next year.” - Jude Dobson
How to Look at a Basquiat. It’s not every day that New York has two Basquiat exhibitions. At “Art and Objecthood,” decoding the basics: his materials, iconography and unmistakable line. Read the story from the New York Times.
‘The Red Studio,’ Matisse’s Masterpiece, Gets a Life All Its Own. The objects in the painting are brought together in a spectacular show at the Museum of Modern Art. It’s a marvel of detective work by the curators. Read the story from the New York Times.
TeamLab pushes on with plans for main new digital artwork museum in Saudi Arabia. The multimedia collective teamLab is transferring forward with plans for a brand new digital artwork museum in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as a part of an authorities initiative to rebrand the Center Jap state and soften its ultra-conservative picture. Read the story from Cowzedge.
Critic’s Pick: After a Tempest, Philip Guston Shines in a Show True to His Spirit. The long-delayed survey, now wrapped in the equivalent of caution tape, opens at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. It’s been a learning-curve climb for four venues. Read the story from the New York Times.
Can an Artwork a Day Keep the Doctor Away? Here Are 5 Ways Scientists Say Art Can Make You Happier and Healthier. Art viewing and art-making can lead to greater well-being across ages, nationalities, and income levels. Read the story from Artnet.
Most NFT Art Buyers Want Big Returns. “A new survey found that 82 percent of NFT buyers are motivated by investment returns rather than appreciation of digital art. ArtTactic’s survey of 595 art buyers worldwide reported that 95 percent of buyers who purchased NFTs worth $25,000 or more cited returns as the main reason for their purchase.” Read the story from Barrons.
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Thanks Helen. I love your blog!