Dunedin Galleries Celebrate Artistic Legacies with New Exhibitions

On September 11, 2023, Dunedin’s artistic community comes together to honor the legacy of renowned sculptor Peter Nicholls and showcase the latest works from contemporary artists. Two galleries, Fe29 Gallery and Milford Gallery, present exhibitions that highlight both Nicholls’ rich contributions to the art world and the innovative approaches of current artists.

Fe29 Gallery Honors Peter Nicholls

Four years after his passing, Fe29 Gallery pays tribute to Peter Nicholls with a comprehensive retrospective of his work. This exhibition features a range of sculptures, including his iconic large-scale outdoor installations such as the wooden wingspan of Toroa, located on the Dunedin waterfront, and Bridge, a significant timber arch on the University Union lawn.

Nicholls’ artistry is not limited to grand displays; the exhibition also includes more intimate pieces like Untitled (Cross) and an installation featuring a kiwi surrounded by shaped swamp kauri. Visitors can explore models and maquettes of several major installations, showcasing Nicholls’ creative process.

The retrospective is further enriched by a collection of the artist’s metal works, designed to interact with light and shadow. A surprising addition is a series of pastel and watercolour images, which reflect Nicholls’ profound connection to the natural world and his love for Dunedin’s landscapes.

Milford Gallery Features Innovative Works by Amanda Gruenwald

At Milford Gallery, Amanda Gruenwald presents a thought-provoking exhibition that challenges traditional painting methods. Known for her vibrant abstract works created with sprayed acrylic, Gruenwald has shifted her focus to the process behind her art.

In her latest series, she has recreated the drop-cloths used during her painting process, transforming them into thoughtful “found art.” The pieces exhibit muted colors and hard edges where canvases once were, turning the ground into a focal point. Gruenwald describes her approach as elevating the incidental, allowing viewers to appreciate the negative spaces and the deliberate patterns created by her paint application.

Notable pieces such as Floor Paintings 18, 22, and 27 reveal gestural skyscapes that evoke a sense of depth and complexity. The artist’s innovative techniques highlight her ability to blend abstraction with a narrative quality, inviting viewers to engage with her work on multiple levels.

Trisha Bennett Explores Emotional Landscapes

Moray Gallery features the work of Trisha Bennett, who draws inspiration from her travels in Southeast Asia, particularly the experiences of displaced children in northern Myanmar. Her paintings reflect a blend of abstraction and subtle realism, capturing a spectrum of emotions that range from despair to resilience.

Bennett’s use of deep, misty colors creates visual metaphors for fear and hope, as seen in her pieces Seeking Refuge — Journey of the Innocents and Longing for Home. The works often imply form rather than depict it explicitly, allowing elements, such as a distant ship in A New Dawn, to emerge from the depths of her compositions.

Among her most compelling pieces, Naming + Claiming — My Mountains Will Always be Karen stands out with its play of light and color, evoking a sense of Romanticism reminiscent of the works of J.M.W. Turner.

As Dunedin embraces its artistic heritage, these exhibitions serve not only as a tribute to the past but also as a celebration of contemporary creativity. Each gallery showcases the unique perspectives and talents of artists who continue to enrich the cultural landscape.