Artists Explore the Meaning of “Home” at Wānaka Gallery

At Gallery Thirty Three in Wānaka, three artists have united their works in the exhibition titled “Home,” which delves into the physical, emotional, and imaginative aspects of what it means to belong. Running from August 21, 2023, this showcase features ceramicist Kate Fitzharris, painter Eliza Glyn, and printmaker Simon Kaan, each bringing a unique perspective to the theme.

Fitzharris’s collection, “Homeware,” presents a fusion of everyday domestic items crafted from natural materials. Drawing inspiration from her walks in Waitati, she incorporates elements gathered from the earth, imbuing her pieces with a personal touch. Her creations celebrate human form and customs, with anatomical details that appear to emerge from the clay, as though she has coaxed their essence into existence. In her piece “Grounded,” the vessel seems to rise organically, evoking a sense of life and anticipation.

Glyn’s exhibition, “Pale-Bright-Light,” invites viewers into a serene exploration of landscapes that blend contemplation with intimacy. Influenced by Japanese woodblock prints, her works feature smooth layers and simplified forms, creating a sense of place that is purposefully ambiguous. The subtle interplay of color and light gives her landscapes a dreamlike quality, with pieces like “Dreaming of Green and White 2” contrasting against the calm compositions found in “Two Worlds” and “Light Blue Chroma.”

In addition to her expansive landscapes, Glyn juxtaposes these with still-life works that reflect daily life and personal narratives. The cozy arrangements of objects hint at both routine and cherished memories, presenting a visual diary that captures the essence of home in an abstract watercolor style.

Kaan’s contributions to the exhibition evoke a poignant connection to home, featuring his signature waka motif that symbolizes both his journey and the important individuals in his life. His work employs layered compositions that invite viewers to traverse the interplay of sky, water, and land. With a muted color palette, Kaan’s pieces resonate a stillness reminiscent of Glyn’s work, yet each carries its own story.

The “Nohoaka Series” employs black frames that create a portal-like effect, offering a glimpse into the past. In “Nohoaka Series II-II,” a waka traverses through mist, echoing the indistinct forms of memory. Kaan’s horizontal bands in “Untitled V” further engage viewers, resembling the turning of pages in a narrative, while his scroll intaglio prints evoke the importance of storytelling in our understanding of history.

Collectively, the artworks in “Home” convey a sense of timelessness and continuity, emphasising the deep connections individuals share with their surroundings and each other. The exhibition not only showcases the artists’ talents but also invites contemplation on the multifaceted concept of home, making it a significant cultural event in Wānaka.