MASTER OF LIGHT INVITED TO REPRESENT NEW ZEALAND AT THE 2013 VENICE BIENNALE

Creative New Zealand media release

Celebrated New Zealand sculptor, photographer and installation artist Bill Culbert has been invited by Creative New Zealand to present his work at the 55^th Venice Biennale in 2013.

Culbert was recommended to Creative New Zealand by an external advisory panel convened by 2013 Venice Biennale Commissioner Jenny Harper.  The artist will visit the 54^th biennale later this month, viewing possible venues for his presentation in 2013 and honing his ideas for the new exhibition.

‘I am delighted that Bill Culbert has accepted our invitation to go to Venice in 2013. He makes marvellous work, constantly re-investigating how light works and refreshing how we think of it.  He has lived away from New Zealand for some years, but returns regularly and continues to have a dynamic presence in this country’s visual arts. Without doubt, he is one of our leading senior artists.  Venice is a wonderful platform for us both to celebrate his individual achievements and to continue to present the richness of this country’s visual arts practice,’ Ms Harper says.

The Venice Biennale is the pre-eminent global contemporary visual arts event attracting a host of international artists, curators, critics and collectors.

Otago-born Culbert painted and worked more conceptually before beginning his experimentation with electric light in the late 1960s.  Often associated with kinetic and constructivist art, he also has a strong affinity with Marcel Duchamp and Lazlo Moholy-Nagy through his work with found objects and through a continuing exploration of ideas around light, energy, perspective, social space and politics.

Culbert has sustained a busy exhibition schedule throughout his career, with more than 100 solo exhibitions in New Zealand, England, Europe, the United States and Australia since 1960, and many more group exhibitions and major public art commissions.

 “Building on the success of Michael Parekowhai's stunning current exhibition, the Arts Council is keen to make progress for 2013,” Chair Alastair Carruthers said, “It's good to be able to consider Bill’s practice as we select a new venue and to give him plenty of time to create a remarkable work.  Our patrons and other supporters can also begin planning.  New Zealand has got terrific momentum in Venice. "
Selection process

A panel was convened in late September to select the artist for 2013.  The selection panel was comprised of gallery directors and visual arts experts and included;

• Alastair Carruthers (Chair of the Arts Council)
• Jenny Harper (Christchurch Art Gallery)
• Christina Barton (Adam Art Gallery)
• Elizabeth Caldwell (Dunedin Public Art Gallery)
• Heather Galbraith (Massey University)
• Michael Houlihan (Te Papa)
• Peter Robinson (Auckland University and 2001 Venice Biennale artist)

Prior to the selection meeting the Commissioner sought advice from the wider visual arts sector inviting them to propose names of artists and/or artist/curator teams.

The panel agreed that Culbert continues to produce fresh and interesting work in a variety of media and was exceptional in his continuing and broad interest in a range of contemporary issues.

Next steps

Creative New Zealand is delighted that the 2013 Head of the Patrons will be Dayle Mace whose contribution to the fund-raising alongside Dame Jenny Gibbs for previous biennales has been invaluable.  Mace will be assisted by Leigh Melville.

Creative New Zealand will also work closely with the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa, on the realisation of the New Zealand exhibition in 2013.
Biography

Born in Port Chalmers, Culbert studied fine art at Canterbury University School of Art (1953-56), and in 1957 received a scholarship to study at the Royal College of Art in London, gaining a silver medal for painting.  He now works in sculpture, installation and photography, often in combination around the subject of light.  His materials include light bulbs, lampshades, fluorescent tubes, plastic bottles, wine glasses and suitcases. He travels extensively and exhibits widely in Europe, Australia and New Zealand.  He is represented in New Zealand by Sue Crockford Gallery.  He lives and works in the South of France and London.

In 2010 a major new monograph on Culbert written by the poet, novelist and critic Ian Wedde, was published by Auckland University Press.

Background to New Zealand’s participation in the Venice Biennale

New Zealand first exhibited at the Biennale in 2001 with further exhibitions in 2003 and 2005.

In December 2007 Creative New Zealand’s Arts Council committed to a New Zealand presence at the Venice Biennale for the 2009, 2011 and 2013 exhibitions.

Artists who have exhibited previously are: Peter Robinson and Jacqueline Fraser (2001), Michael Stevenson (2003), et al. (2005), Judy Millar and Francis Upritchard (2009) and Michael Parekowhai (2011).

Creative New Zealand's level of investment in the 2013 Venice Biennale will be $650,000. This includes the rental and staffing of a pavilion for New Zealand during the 6-month exhibition and a fee for the artist to assist with the costs of making and shipping their work to Venice.

View a slideshow of Bill Culbert's work

View a video of Bill Culbert during installation of a solo show in London June 2011

Caption for image:Bill Culbert. Pacific Flotsam, 2007. Fluorescent light, electric wire, plastic bottles. Image courtesy Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, New Plymouth. Christchurch Art Gallery Collection.

AGITA FLAMENCO

A passionate Flamenco performance will take place on 4 October 2011 at the New Zealand Pavilion in  Venice and will feature Nelson-born artist and poet - Charles Olsen .

The name of this recital “Agita Flamenco” or “Flamenco Shake” is the title of a poem by Colombian poet Lilián Pallares. It expresses both a reverence for tradition and the need to shake it to know it’s still alive.  New Zealand poet and artist, Charles Olsen, along with Lilián Pallares, will recite their poems inspired by the traditional music of the Spanish gypsies, flamenco, accompanied by renowned flamenco pianist Pablo Rubén Maldonado, who will also perform pieces from his latest album “Fuera de la Realidad”. 

One of Olsen’s poems “The dance of the brushes” was inspired by his short film of the same name which features Pablo Rubén Maldonado’s music and was awarded second prize in the Flamenco Short Film Festival, Madrid 2010. Olsen said ‘when I saw the photos of the installation in Venice, the cross-over between Maori, Spain, Keats, and piano music, for me it meshed with what I’ve been doing these past few years and is the perfect setting to present the premiere of this recital.’

The piano is a relatively new instrument in flamenco and Pablo Rubén Maldonado is one of a new generation of flamenco pianists who is currently in great demand performing worldwide with internationally renowned flamenco artists. Described by the Washington Post as a groundbreaking artist and charismatic performer, his first release "Almanjáyar" received international acclaim.

Flamenco is passion, art, a cultural expression that runs through the blood that keeps it alive through the generations. ‘We wish to share our poetic visions of flamenco, as outsiders finding new forms of expression, new ways to experience the world we live in,’ comments Olsen who will also recite his poem in Maori, “He Kongakonga Moemoeā” translated from the original “Dream Fragment” by his father the Reverend Barry Olsen. ‘In flamenco people talk of duende, an indefinable moment when the music and song touch the soul of everyone present like a spirit passing through.  The Maori woman who appears in the poem is like a life-giving duende passing through my dream.’

The performance will take place in the exhibition “On first looking into Chapman’s Homer” by Michael Parekowhai, in the New Zealand pavilion of the Venice Biennale on 4th October at 4pm.

Poetry recital with Flamenco Piano in the Venice Biennial 2011

Charles Olsen, Lilián Pallares and Pablo Rubén Maldonado

This performance has been made possible with the support of deflamenco.com

Where: The New Zealand pavilion in the exhibition “On first looking into Chapman’s Homer” by Michael Parekowhai. Palazzo Loredan dell’ Ambasciatore, Calle dei Cerchieri, Dorsoduro, Venezia

When: 4th October 2011 at 4pm

About the artists

Charles Olsen (b. Nelson, New Zealand, 1969)

His paintings have been exhibited in Wellington, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Oporto, and the Saatchi Gallery in London. He also works with photography and video and his short film “The Dance of the Brushes”, which mixes together flamenco dance, painting and nature, was awarded second prize in the I Festival Flamenco de Cortometrajes in Madrid 2010 and was presented in the Flamenco Festival of Nîmes in France in 2011. He has been invited to recite his poetry in poetry festivals in Colombia and Spain and his book of poetry, paintings, photographs and drawings “Sr Citizen” (Ediciones Amargord) was published earlier this year. His poetry has been published in Blackmail Press 28.

charlesolsen.es

pensamientoslentos.blogspot.com

 

Lilián Pallares (b. Barranquilla, Colombia, 1976)

Recently selected in a list of the ten best young writers of Latin America by About.com, New York, Pallares is a writer of poetry, short stories, chronicles, film scripts and stand-up comedy. Her passion for Colombian folklore, African roots and love of words was the motivation behind her show “Afrolyrics” which brings together poetry and world percussion. She won the Poetry competition of the University of the North, Barranquilla, in 1999 and in 2007 her short stories “Reflexiones del Va y Ven” and “Servicio Anónimo” won first prizes in competitions organised by the magazine Toumai and cultural association Fusionarte respectively. She has published a collection of chronicles and short stories “Ciudad Sonámbula” (Editorial Aldevara, 2010) and “Voces Mudas” (TwentyFourSeven, 2011) a collection of her poetry including a CD with compositions by Colombian percussionist Shangó Dely.

ciudadsonambula.blogspot.com

Pablo Rubén Maldonado (Granada, Spain)

He comes from a gypsy family of musicians which includes Antonio Cujón, founder of Zambra Granadina, Pepe Albaycín, the charismatic flamenco singer, the emblematic José Carmona and the internationally renowned Mario Maya. He was awarded Best Composition for Flamenco Dance in the 10th annual Dance and Choreography Competition in the Albeniz Theatre, Madrid, 2007. Pablo has collabrated with numerous Flamenco dance companies and artists throughout Spain: Pura Pasión under the direction of Cristóbal Reyes, Nuevo Ballet Español, Antonio and Manuel Reyes, Juan Andrés Maya, Daniel Doña, Maria Juncal, Marcos Flores, Belén Lopez, la Truco, Rafaela Carrasco, Farruquito, to name a few. Pablo’s musical spectrum has been enriched by musical styles such as Afro-Caribbean, Argentinean Tango, Jazz and Funk, all of which add to the expressive palette of his work. 

www.pablorubenmaldonado.eu

 

 

 

 

 

2011 NZ VENICE BIENNALE EXHIBITION TO SHOW IN PARIS

Creative New Zealand and Christchurch Art Gallery director Jenny Harper are pleased to announce that Michael Parekowhai will show his 2011 Venice Biennale exhibition On first looking into Chapman’s Homerat Paris’s renowned musée du quai Branly.

Michael Parekowhai’s exhibition will travel to Paris at the conclusion of the Venice project in October with three works being showcased at the museum. The two bronze grand pianos, each supporting a cast bronze bull, A Peak in Darien and Chapman’s Homerwill be installed in early November 2011 in the grounds of the museum beside rue de l’Université, a key route for pedestrians visiting the nearby Eiffel Tower. Te Papa’s E Tu Ake will still be on at this time and connections may be made with this exhibition of New Zealand work.

In February 2012 the carved Steinway, He Korero Purakau mo Te Awanui o Te Motu: Story of a New Zealand River will be positioned in the entrance foyer of the museum with a series of recitals planned.

“Follow-on invitations are a significant way for the value of the Venice Biennale project to be registered and they also demonstrate the level of respect shown to our artists who are selected to show there. We welcome this opportunity to extend Parekowhai’s major presentation in Europe and Christchurch Art Gallery is pleased to be assisting the artist and his team to show his Venice work in a different context in another key European cultural hub,”says Jenny Harper. 

Creative New Zealand Arts Council Chair, Alastair Carruthers is delighted that the artist has received this invitation. “The Venice Biennale continues to provide New Zealand artists with the chance to present work at the highest level overseas.  This remarkable exhibition deserves a wider audience and Michael Parekowhai should be congratulated on its success.”

The exhibition will return to New Zealand mid next year at Christchurch Art Gallery.  “It will be exciting to welcome this key work back home a year after it opened in Venice, keeping the Biennale heartbeat strong at home as well as overseas,” saysJenny Harper.

The continued success of Michael Parekowhai’s exhibition in Venice follows it being picked by The Independent as one of the winners of this year’s biennale.  A number of influential journalists visited the exhibition during the Vernissage from The Art Newspaper, ArtAsiaPacific, The Guardian, Art Review, Frieze, Tate and Royal Academy Magazine alongside representatives from New York’s Museum of Modern Art, London’s Saatchi and Hayward Galleries, as well as from public art galleries in Canada, San Francisco and Australia.

To date a daily average of 300 peoplevisit the New Zealand exhibition, consistently rating it ‘excellent’ with many commenting on the variety of music performed on the carved piano, their identification with the carvings and the magnificence of the large-scale sculptures.*

Announcement of Commissioner and process for 2013 artist selection

Creative New Zealand has started planning for the 2013 Venice Biennale with the announcement that Jenny Harper, director of Christchurch Art Gallery, will continue as commissioner for the 2013 project. A deputy commissioner will also be appointed as a professional development opportunity.

A panel, chaired by Arts Council Chair Alastair Carruthers, will be convened in late September to commence the selection of the artist(s) for 2013.  The panel will comprise of gallery directors and visual arts experts, including Māori representation.  Prior to the selection meeting the Commissioner will seek advice from the wider visual arts sector and invite them to propose names of artists and/or artist/curator teams.

The Arts Council will consider the panel's recommendations and expects to make an announcement in late October.

Creative New Zealand is delighted that the 2013 Head of the Patrons will be Dayle Mace whose contribution to the fund-raising alongside Dame Jenny Gibbs over the last few biennales has been invaluable. Mace will be assisted by Leigh Melville.

In 2011 the Patrons of the Venice Biennale raised a record amount for the New Zealand exhibition of $312,000 and over 70 patrons attended the opening week or Vernissage – the largest contingent so far in the ten year history of New Zealand’s presence at the Venice Biennale.

Creative New Zealand will also work closely with Te Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand on the realisation of the New Zealand exhibition in 2013.

*Notes

The daily vistor average is based on a thermal counter at the venue, there is also a four question survey for visitors to fill out as well as a visitor book that records their comments. 

Flavio Villani hosts a choreographer friend

The flamboyance of a beautiful gold dress coupled with the red piano He Korero Purakau mo Te Awanui o Te Motu Story of a New Zealand River made for a true Venetian reunion for pianist Flavio Villani and choreographer friend Merceded Boronat... check it out on Facebook

Michael Parekowhai exhibition opens at the 2011 Venice Biennale

Michael Parekowhai’s Venice Biennale exhibition On first Looking into Chapman’s Homer had its official opening this evening in Venice (1 June local time).   The beautiful voice of New Zealand opera singer Aivale Cole welcomed more than 300 guests as she performed a mix of European arias and waiata at the New Zealand Pavilion - Palazzo Loredan dell’Ambasciatore.

The exhibition sees a ‘surprise’ element in Venice for those who viewed the work earlier this year in Henderson, Auckland.  The intricately-carved Steinway concert grand piano, He Korero Purakau mo Te Awanui o Te Motu story of a New Zealand river, has been repainted a deep red from its original black.

The new colour scheme reflects the flag of the Venice republic (red and gold) and the brass inlay is now gold, a clever feat of alchemy; “Alchemist is an anagram of St Michael”. 

Reflecting on the installation in Venice, Michael Parekowhai said he is waiting to see how the work unfolds.  “After the event back home in Henderson, the installation is now in its intended location and the emphasis is now on its reception in Venice.” 

On first looking into Chapman’s Homer pays tribute to the poem of the same title by the nineteenth-century English Romantic poet John Keats. The work references notions of discovery, exploration, and the cultural interplay between the old and new world.

Music and performance are a central aspect of the installation, of which Parekowhai says, “While the objects in On first looking into Chapman’s Homer are important, much of the real meaning of the work will come through music, which fills space like no object can.”

In addition to the carved Steinway concert grand piano, there are two concert grands fabricated in bronze supporting two cast bronze bulls. On one piano a full-size bull rests on the closed lid (A Peak in Darian) with its massive body suggesting the folding forms of landscape. On the other piano (Chapman’s Homer) the bull is standing firm offering an eye-to-eye challenge for anyone prepared to take a seat at the keyboard. The installation also features a figure from the Kapa Haka series (Officer Taumaha) and two small bronze olive tree saplings (Constitution Hill).  

Commissioner Jenny Harper says, “On first looking at Chapman’s Homer is topical and creates a sense of drama and surprise for audiences.”

Five New Zealand pianists will perform a mix of New Zealand, jazz and classical music on the carved Steinway piano throughout the five-month exhibition.  The public will also be provided with the opportunity to play the piano at the discretion of the pianist. 

Creative New Zealand has invested $700,000 in the exhibition with a record level of patronage support of $315,000 raised.  Other support has been received from Te Papa Tongarewa, Invivo Wines, Antipodes Water, Helleman’s Transport and The Edge.

The New Zealand Pavilion at the 54th International Art Exhibition – la Biennale di Venezia

Official media release
Artist: Michael Parekowhai

Commissioner: Jenny Harper

Creative New Zealand, Arts Council of New Zealand, Toi Aotearoa

Venue: Palazzo Loredan dell’Ambasciatore, Venice

http://www.nzatvenice.com/

4 June – 23 Oct. 2011

Preview days: 1, 2 and 3 June 2011

Traditional Maori blessing of venue: Tues 31 May 0800-0845

The Arts Council of New Zealand, Toi Aotearoa announced in 2010 that Michael Parekowhai will represent New Zealand at the 54^th International Art Exhibition – la Biennale di Venezia 2011.
Parekowhai was invited to take part by the Arts Council of New Zealand and 2011 54^th International Art Exhibition Commissioner Jenny Harper. His new work On first looking into Chapman’s Homer pays tribute to the poem of the same title by the nineteenth-century English Romantic poet John Keats, and references notions of discovery, exploration, and the cultural interplay between the Old and New Worlds.
Music and performance will be a central aspect of the installation, of which Parekowhai says,
“While the objects in On first looking into Chapman’s Homer are important, much of the real meaning of the work will come through music, which fills space like no object can.”
The work includes one intricately-carved Steinway concert grand piano and two concert grands fabricated in bronze supporting two cast bronze bulls. On one piano a full-size bull rests on the closed lid with its massive body suggesting the folding forms of landscape. On the other piano the bull is standing firm offering an eye-to-eye challenge for anyone prepared to take a seat at the keyboard. The installation will also feature a figure from the Kapa Haka series (Officer Taumaha) and two small bronze olive tree saplings (Constitution Hill).   
Commissioner Jenny Harper said, “On first looking at Chapman’s Homer is topical and will create a sense of drama and surprise for the audiences.”
Five New Zealand pianists have been appointed to perform a mix of New Zealand, jazz and classical music on the carved Steinway piano He Korero Purakau mo Te Awanui o Te Motu story of a New Zealand river, one of the pieces which make up the installation. The public will also be provided with the opportunity to play the piano at the discretion of the pianist. 
Michael Parekowhai is one of New Zealand’s most important contemporary artists. In addition to an extensive exhibition history, his work is held in many significant public and private collections in New Zealand and Australia, as well as several permanent collections across the Asia-Pacific region and in Europe.
Born in Porirua, New Zealand in 1968, Michael Parekowhai is of European (Pakeha) and Maori (Ngati Whakarongo) descent. He graduated with a BA and MA from the University of Auckland’s Elam School of Fine Arts, where he is now Associate Professor in Fine Arts. In 2001 he was awarded an Arts Foundation of New Zealand Laureate.
This year the New Zealand Pavilion will be in the Palazzo Loredan dell’Ambasciatore on the Grand Canal near the Accademia Bridge. This 15th-century Gothic palace once belonged to the noble Loredan family and was the birthplace of two Doges of Venice – Leonardo Loredan (1436-1521) and Francesco Loredan (1685-1762). This is the first time that the palazzo will host a national pavilion for the 54^th International Art Exhibition.

Venice Attendants Announced

Eight attendants – five pianists and three Italian speakers – have been appointed by Creative New Zealand to staff the Michael Parekowhai exhibition, On First Looking into Chapman’s Homer at the Venice Biennale between June and October this year.

They will be attending for periods of between four and eight weeks for the duration of the five month exhibition at the Palazzo Loredan dell' Ambasciatore on the Grand Canal.

The pianists will be performing a mix of New Zealand, jazz and classical music on the carved Steinway piano He Korero Purakau mo Te Awanui o Te Motu story of a New Zealand river, one of the pieces which make up the installation.

Music is an integral part of the exhibition.  “If the sculptures are a source of visual surprise for visitors, it is the music that will greet them when they arrive,” said Venice Commissioner Jenny Harper.  Michael Parekowhai’s vision is that visitors are greeted by the sound of the music before they see the object it is being performed on. 

The three fluent Italian speakers, who are versed in contemporary New Zealand and European art, will be responsible for engaging with visitors and explaining the five pieces which make up the installation. 

Application process

There was enormous competition for the roles and applicants were put through a demanding selection process.   Interviews and auditions were held with a specialist selection panel comprising of Linda Tyler (Curator, Gus Fisher Gallery, Auckland), Megan Tamati-Quenell (Curator Contemporary Maori, Indigenous art at Te Papa), composer John Psathas,  native Italian speaker Francesca Calamita and Creative New Zealand Venice Biennale Project Manager Tanea Heke.

The pianists were auditioned by John Psathas and the other candidates were assessed on their understanding of contemporary New Zealand and Māori art, had their Italian fluency judged by a native Italian speaker, and presented to the panel on the merits of New Zealand participating at the Biennale.

In addition to their other duties the attendants will blog on their experience through the New Zealand at Venice website [www.nzatvenice.com] as well as using the New Zealand at the Venice Biennale Facebook page [www.facebook.com/NZatVeniceBiennale] to communicate back home.  The 2009 blog by attendants was the first of its kind at the Venice Biennale and was closely followed at home and overseas.

Biographies of attendants (Alphabetically)

Sophie Keyse holds an M. A. (First Class Honours) in Art History from Auckland University and speaks both Italian and French. Currently a curator at the Uxbridge Creative Centre she participated in the Peggy Guggenheim Internship programme in Venice.

Elizabeth Lochhead holds an M.A. (Distinction) in Classics from the University of Canterbury School of Fine Arts and speaks fluent Italian, French, German and conversational Spanish. A former gallery attendant at the SOFA Gallery, Elizabeth has wide ranging arts interests and has worked as a cultural ambassador while teaching in Germany.

Amy Mansfield holds an M.A. (First Class Honours) in English Literature from Auckland University and is a fluent Italian and German speaker. A lawyer by training, she has taught and performed classical piano and edited catalogues for two major Auckland Art Gallery exhibitions.

Biographies of musicians (in alphabetical order)

Rose Campbell has a Bachelor of Music (Performance) and LCTL (piano) and is currently the Manager, Programmes for Creative New Zealand. Rose has previously worked as a Music Adviser for the Ministry of Education; Head of Music at Wellington College; and Director of Music at Scots College; and has performed publicly as a classical pianist.

Dan Hayles holds a PGDipMus and is studying towards a Master of Musical Arts degree at the New Zealand School of Music. An experienced jazz pianist he has performed as part of the Lewis Easy ‘Emerging Artist Series’, performed alongside Dame Malvina Major and Michael Houstoun and composed and played in the support band for jazz legend George Benson. He has numerous awards including the 2004 Institute of Registered Music Teachers Young Performer of the Year. He was educated at New Plymouth Boys High School

Catherine McKay has a Master of Music (Distinction) in Performance Piano from Canterbury University, ARCM Advanced Piano Studies; Royal College of Music (London) and extensive experience as a performer and teacher of piano.  She is currently pianist for Argentinean Tango Quartet 4XTango and Musika Ensemble and has completed a three-month Artist Residency at the Banff Centre of the Arts in Canada.

Ariana Odermatt has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Performance Music and German and a BA Honours in Performance Music (Harpsichord) from University of Waikato. The Hamilton –born pianist is currently working as a Creative New Zealand Programme Administrator she has performed as a pianist, harpsichordist and organist and also performed public concerts in London and at the 2004 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  In New Zealand she has an active role in concerts around Wellington.

Auckland-based Flavio Villani has a Bachelor of Piano Performance and is currently completing an honours degree at the University of Auckland. Flavio was a finalist with the Damase Trio in the Auckland Music Society Competition in 2010 and has extensive experience as a performer and teacher. He has also performed on Michael Parekowhai’s carved Steinway piano when it was unveiled to Patrons last month.

Background to New Zealand’s 2011 Venice Biennale exhibition

Michael Parekowhai’s installation in Venice, On First Looking into Chapman’s Homer will include the following components; two grand pianos fabricated in bronze supporting two cast bronze bulls; an intricately-carved Steinway concert grand piano; a figure from the Kapa Haka series and two small bronze olive tree saplings.  If the sculptures are a source of visual surprise for visitors, it is the music that will greet them when they arrive. 

2011 marks New Zealand's fifth official participation at the Venice Biennale funded by the Arts Council of New Zealand. This year the New Zealand Pavillion is in the Palazzo Loredan dell’Ambasciatore on the Grand Canal near the Accademia. This 15th-century Gothic palace once belonged to the noble Loredan family and was the birthplace of two Doges of Venice – Leonardo Loredan (1501-21) and Francesco Loredan (1752-62). This is the first time that the palazzo hosts a national pavilion for the Venice Biennale.

About the artist

Michael Parekowhai is one of New Zealand’s most important and dynamic contemporary artists. In addition to an extensive exhibition history, his work is held in many significant public and private collections in New Zealand and Australia, as well as several permanent collections across the Asia-Pacific region and in Europe.

Born in Porirua, New Zealand in 1968, Michael Parekowhai is of European and Maori (Ngati Whakarongo) descent. He graduated with a BA and MA from the University of Auckland’s Elam School of Fine Arts, where he is now Associate Professor in Fine Arts. In 2001 he was awarded an Arts Foundation of New Zealand Laureate.

Creative New Zealand announces details of 2011 Venice Biennale exhibition

On first looking into Chapman’s Homer, a sculptural installation by Michael Parekowhai, will be exhibited at the 54^th Venice Biennale in the Palazzo Loredan dell’Ambasciatore from 4 June 2011.

Earlier this year Parekowhai, one of New Zealand’s most dynamic contemporary artists, was invited by Creative New Zealand and 2011 Venice Biennale Commissioner Jenny Harper to represent Aotearoa at this pre-eminent global contemporary art event.

His installation will include the following components; two grand pianos fabricated in bronze supporting two cast bronze bulls; an intricately-carved Steinway concert grand piano; a figure from the Kapa Haka series and a small bronze olive tree sapling.   On one grand piano (A peak in Darien) a full-size bull rests on the closed lid with its massive body suggesting the folding forms of landscape. On the other (Chapman’s Homer), the bull stands firm offering an eye-to-eye challenge for anyone prepared to take a seat at the keyboard.

The carved Steinway piano He Korero Purakau mo Te Awanui o Te Motu Story of a New Zealand River will be played during the exhibition with a programme of special performances.  If the sculptures are a source of visual surprise for visitors, it is the music that will greet them when they arrive.

Parekowhai says, "While the objects in On first looking into Chapman's Homer are important, the real meaning of the work will come through the music. Just as my work Ten Guitars was not about the instruments themselves but about the way they brought people together, performance is central to understanding On first looking into Chapman's Homer because music fills a space like no object can."

The overall title for the project is based on the poem On First Looking into Chapman's Homer by the nineteenth-century English Romantic poet John Keats.

Commissioner Jenny Harper said, "On first looking at Chapman's Homer is topical and polished. Michael Parekowhai will create a sense of drama and surprise for the large audiences. His work operates on many different levels of meaning and he will certainly contribute to the growth of New Zealand's reputation as an increasingly important and sought-after player in the world of visual arts."

Located on Venice's main tourist and transport route, the Grand Canal, the venue for the work Palazzo Loredan dell'Ambasciatore will achieve significant profile for New Zealand. Near the prestigious Gallerie dell'Accademia, the palazzo is one of the finest in Venice and is an ideal position to attract the attention of biennale visitors.

The palazzo is a 15th-century Gothic palace that once belonged to the noble Loredan family and was the birthplace of not one, but two ancient Doges of Venice.   A brand new Biennale venue, Parekowhai will use both its garden and foyers. Photographs of the venue can be viewed at the New Zealand at the Venice Biennale Facebook page.

The Venice Biennale is the cornerstone of Creative New Zealand’s international visual arts strategy.  In December 2007 Creative New Zealand’s Arts Council committed to a New Zealand presentation at this prestigious international exhibition for 2009, 2011 and 2013.