16/1/23-11/02/2023 - Refinery ArtSpace Response by Linda Dimitrievski I did not expect the playful, creative joy that hit me as I popped in to the Refinery Art Space this particular summer’s day. In part escaping the stifling heat outside, the conditioned air inside did little to cool down the riotous assault of colour, shapes and fun that met me by the entrance. Flow - Jamie Brown & Sophie Holt In the little gallery Sophie Holts quirky yet poignant ceramics plays excellently with Jamie Browns sculptural creations. The Motueka based artists collaboration, “Flow”, is an exchange of the whimsical, the works bouncing off each other in a cacophony of colour and form. That is not to say they are competing for prominence, quite the opposite. Like good friends, the brightness of each work is enhanced by the presence of its counterparts. There is a flow between them that leads the spectator on a merry-go-round of new discoveries. The works are unapologetic and bold, the details captivating. It’s a celebration of creative fun and friendship and sets the tone for the following exhibits. Do you copy? - Sigi Kennedy In the main gallery the walls are awash with paintings telling the story of the Roblobs, Sigi Kennedys imaginary beings, trying to reconnect after the sundering. The quest is complicated as they are harried by space pirates on top of having to search inter-dimensionally for each other. The comparison to our human need for connection is easy to make, what stands out is the transference of the compassion felt for the characters to include oneself and other fellow humans. Mixing the abstract with the cartoonish, I for one excitedly followed them around the room in search for a happy ending. Doused in reds and pink, anchored with bright, earthy tones, the paintings are sparsely inhabited by the Roblobs. The canvases leads you around the space, each both alone and part of the bigger picture. I am hesitant to use the word bittersweet, as the joy I felt seeing these works was so great, but upon reflection there is enough longing and loneliness to justify its use. It is a space opera in pink with dashing heroes (if you’re a Roblob), high adventure and a worthy cause. What’s not to love? My fantasy amusement park - Jenny Zhong Ascending the ramp up to the top gallery, still buzzing from the previous adventure, I am met by a curious form, a cut out contraption of colour and intrigue. A quick read of Jenny Zhongs statement gives me permission to spin it and next minute I’m in the Auckland artists fantasy playground with numerous wall-hung forms revolving every which way. Being able to activate the work in such a physical way draws me in, allows me to take part in Jenny’s world, and it is fun. The balance of each work creates its own rhythm, doof-DOOF, doof-DOOF, that harmonize or clash with the rhythm of its counterparts. The gyration of the works calls for bodily movement and it’s impossible to be still as the room spins all around. The only thing missing is the carousel music. These are all strong exhibitions in their own right, holding their own conversations, and they would shine anywhere. Shown jointly like this, the result is right down spectacular. Colour, motifs and shared play with the absurd have these exhibitions explode off the walls and floors in what I can only describe as one of the most fun art experiences I’ve had for quite some time. Taken together we are invited to look at life from a different perspective, to shift from focusing too much on the hardships and begin to explore the joy that is to be found. Each artist does this with zest and skill, without faltering and the curation of these exhibits is, literally, fantastic. Don’t miss this one. Refinery ArtSpace
114 Hardy Street Photo credit Linda Dimitrievski
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January 2023
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Photo used under Creative Commons from jordan parks