21 March - 28 April, 2012

Not simply a group show – Selection 6 - The Artist's Selection is an exhibition of artworks selected by the artists. It is in fact six small exhibitions in one providing an opportunity to view a range of art by six established artists at one venue

Paul Cullen, Bing Dawe, Des Helmore, John Lyall, Jan Nigro, Gregory O’Brien.

Models Methods and Assumptions are a series of book works that form part of ongoing project for Paul Cullen. Initially books with pencils; the book is now often without pencils and its form is altered by either cutting into it or by addition. Works on paper and document works feature alongside.

From Christchurch, Bing Dawe has sent three stunning drawings from his series Head Count. Featuring Kawau – Black Shag. It is hard to believe but due to a belief that the shag competed with fishermen for trout acclimatisation societies between 1890 and 1940 declared they could be shot. Research undertaken in New Zealand would later prove this was not true and in 1986 they were protected but with the proviso that if a shag damages crops or commercial property it may be culled. Alongside the drawings sits a beautifully carved head of a shag, which is itself carved with imagery. (Reference http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/shags)

Des Helmore has selected two 1990 oils to show alongside two very recent paintings. Interested in city and rural scenes Helmore's works delight with their deft painterly touch and handling of colour.

New Zealand’s extinct Moa has a special place in John Lyall's work. Here in the gallery we have his latest moas constructed from meccano. Also on show is a series of song titles from the Beatles – The common link? – Both are from Liverpool, England!

Relationships and human interaction has fascinated Jan Nigro and provided a source of subject matter for over 70 years now. Nigro has selected a suite of pencil and oils on paper across her career.

With Gregory O’Brien we find a wonderful mixing of imagery and language in the work of this poet/artist/writer. Last year he visited the Kermadecs and the experience has led to series of captivating new artworks.

PAUL CULLEN

BING DAWE

DES HELMORE

JOHN LYALL

JAN NIGRO

GREGORY O'BRIEN