I celebrate 30 years in business with a group show called Rock 'n' Roll - a title that simply reflects the ups and downs of it, the restless rhythms of exhibition changeover, and the drive required to maintain the intimate relationships that fuel the art business. That is the way of it. Artists, collectors and myself in conversation about things. About the delicate dance of creativity and commerce. About emotion that is both single minded and co-operative. And ultimately, about survival.
This show, as most do, talks around corners and across space. It brings together new work from the studio, and places this alongside significant works from stock. Older work talks to new, and we bear witness to what comes about. Julia Morison's two Teaching Aids from 2001 for example, tell a good story between Leigh Martin's poured resin painting from 2011 and Anne Noble's beautiful requiem for the honey bee, Bruissement #4 and #18, a pair from 2017.
It is predominantly a gathering of those artists with whom I've worked the longest, but not quite. And it is better for the fact that genders are about equal, media are well and truly mixed (the collective et al is right with the programme, glazing jugs) and attitudes around process and the gravitas of intent co-exist with the playful - a lighter more humorous approach. Let there be plenty more years to come!JS
Press release courtesy Jonathan Smart Gallery.
52 Buchan Street
Sydenham
Christchurch, 8023
New Zealand
www.jonathansmartgallery.com
+64 3 365 7070
Wed - Fri, 11am - 5pm
Sat, 11am - 3pm