Truth is like poetry, and most people hate poetry – Pete Wheeler 22 May – 12 June
Wheeler lived in Dunedin during the late 1990s and early 2000s, graduating with MFA from the University of Canterbury. He has held solo shows in New Zealand, Australia, America and Europe. He has multiple works in the James Wallace Collection, Zabludowicz Collection (London) and Martin Sosnoff Collection (New York) and was a finalist in the James Wallace Trust Awards in 2017.
Wheeler’s work pertains themes of death, time and history – bringing in re-occurring symbols including skulls, fauna and figures from popular culture. In spite of these recurrent themes and symbols, his works defy a sense of classification. They are a product of his urban environment (Berlin as of recent), influenced by a grungy street aesthetic, often incorporating controversial imagery of political connotation or perhaps Bart Simpson flipping the bird.
As with any occupation, Pete finds that painting can become a part of the daily grind. He likes the idea of it not becoming linear, constantly testing the waters in order to retain spontaneity and excitement. Pete Wheeler brushes his big paintings with humour and intent. Art-wise there is not too much flounce – just the direct, the bold and the brave.
ABSOLUTION – CAMILLE SANSON
22 May – 12 June
ABSOLUTION is a solo exhibition by Camille Sanson reflecting her personal journey into motherhood. Through its making and narrative progression, the photographic series explores the depths of the shadow and play between dark and light. Similar to the process of developing black and white photographs in a dark room, and metaphorical relation to conception and birth, the images transition from darkness and emerge with renewed existence in light.
Part of the Auckland Festival of Photography 2020 Programme. Camille Sanson is a New Zealand photographer based in London. She founded a successful photography studio in East London, and for the past 12 years she has worked across fashion, portraiture and still life photography. Her practice reflects openness to alternative perspectives and metaphysical subjects, often portrayed through aesthetic motifs of multi layered, expanded dimensions, textured pigments and attention toward primal matter.
Her love of visual arts and photography began in New Zealand at the Rudolf Steiner School in Auckland, and continued her studied focus with Fashion Photography at University of the Arts, London. Collaborating with some of London’s most creative talent – seamlessly working between fashion and still life – Camille has produced campaigns for brands including: Yves Saint Laurent Beauty, Max Factor, Rimmel, Kryolan, JOOP!, Finery London, Beau Coops, Zoe and Morgan, and also photographed editorials for Vogue Ukraine, Elle, Hong Kong Tatler, Glamour Italia, Remix Magazine, Glassbook, and Swarovski magazine.