ART TO THE POWER OF 11: EXHIBITION AT ST JAMES THEATRE, WELLINGTON
THE SALIENT: REVIEWER ESME GIBBONS

Opening day at St James

Are you bored or intimidated by some of the snobbishness that seems to be part of the art scene? Well, here's an exhibition that is definitely not snobby.

It features work by eleven artists, most of whom have at some time or another attended The Learning Connexion in Island Bay. This is an art school that prides itself on offering an alternative to the more mainstream art schools in New Zealand.

According to Susan Knaap, one of the exhibition's initiators, this difference is apparent in the work displayed. She says she'd love people to go away from the exhibition "acknowledging the diversity that The Learning Connexion produces in its students". As she says "You can really clearly see that we're not clones."

What struck me most about this exhibition was the bold use of colour in all the work. The variety of media also creates a visual smorgasbord. So if you feel like checking out some of the best and freshest artistic talent that Wellington has to offer, this exhibition is definitely a good place to start.

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©  2002 Susan Knaap. All rights reserved.