Transformance
4 June 2011 - 3 July 2011
Pah Homestead
MIC Toi Rerehiko and the Arts Trust are proud to present Transformance, an exhibition of digital media by four graduate artists from Auckland University of Technology (AUT), with support from the Asia NZ Foundation, as part of the Auckland Festival of Photography. Curated by Warren Pringle, artists Jia-Yin (Jane) Loo, Grace Chai, Olivia Garelja, and Nick Konings (with Paul Chambers) will exhibit digital media work from 4 June – 3 July at the Pah Homestead.
Transformance explores themes underpinned by myths and ideas of reflection and appearance, illusion and essence, imitation and emanation. While these ideas are fundamental to the human condition, what catapults them into the present - and in some cases predictive future - is the sensitive and intelligent use of digital media. Working in their respective digital imagery fields, Jane, Grace, Olivia and Nick are recent graduates of AUT, and have all achieved a high degree of excellence in their artwork. Their cross-disciplinary approach from the various platforms of Graphic Design, Interdisciplinary and Photography majors at AUT, highlights the new ways in which artists are working today, and the potential of digital media as a unifying medium.
In a dedicated upstairs gallery of the Pah Homestead, Jia-Yin (Jane) Loo investigates the potential of moving image and type to express a narrative of loss and disappointment as a recent migrant to New Zealand from Malaysia.
Alternatively, Grace Chai, who moved to New Zealand from Taiwan at fifteen years of age, explores the implications of cosmetic surgery on male identity through photographic prints.
New Zealand born Olivia Garelja augments photographic imagery to construct persuasive alternative worlds and imaginary landscapes.
Lastly, in the AV Room, New Zealand born Nick Konings mixes, text, psychology, art and software – with code written by Paul Chambers – to craft an experience that is an active reflection on the process of self-transformation, resulting in the generation of an entity somewhere between an avatar and self-portrait.
Warren Pringle, an experienced arts planner, producer and curator, will draw from his extensive experience to weave these various concerns together with an opening event at 2pm on Saturday 4 June at the Pah Homestead. Entitled A Sense of Dislocation and originally inspired by the work of exhibiting artist Jane Loo the event will feature music composed by Jed Town and performers Elise Chan, Jeong Yeun Whang, Kristian Larsen and Warren Pringle.
Artists Talks
Saturday June 11th 1pm; Warren Pringle/Jia-Yin Loo
Saturday June 18th 1pm; Olivia Garelja/Grace Chai
Saturday June 25th 1pm; Nick Konings