'Big Catch On Live Bait' at Nathan Homestead Arts Centre

Curator 策展人:

Alvin Xiong 熊炜

Philip Tse 谢宝泉

 

Artist 参展艺术家: 

Deng Jianjin 邓箭今,广州美术学院油画系副主任,教授。

He Jiancheng 何建成,广州美术学院油画系副教授, 广州美术学院油画系第三工作室主任。

Li Tao 李涛,广州美术学院副教授

Zhang Wei 张伟,广州美术学院副教授

Sun Jiaxuan 孙嘉旋,当代艺术家。

Zhu Donghui 祝东辉,当代艺术家。

OPENING: FRIDAY 15 JANUARY 2016 5:30 - 8:30 PM
EXHIBITION: 16 JAN - 21 FEB 2016
ARTIST TALK: TUESDAY 26 JANUARY 2016 6 - 7 PM

Curated by Alvin Xiong and Philip Tse
Hosted by Nathan Homestead Gallery


BIG CATCH ON LIVE BAIT

“When there is music together with food,
The audience will linger…” 
- Tao Te Ching

The emergence of Chinese contemporary art on the international art scene from the mid-2000s has fundamentally altered the structure of the international art trade. Why is Chinese contemporary art so impactful, important and relevant to the globalized art market? How do the Chinese artists cope with the shifting sands of change? What are they looking for?

BIG CATCH ON LIVE BAIT features six contemporary Chinese artists and academics from Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts. Their focus is more on social change as it is happening rather than on past struggles or historical events – the lost of roots, identity, community and homeliness due to rapid and rampart urbanization. Their works reflect the adjustment of China in the present day. Often their themes speak to people inside and outside the country: Deng Jian Jin’s deep thoughts in existence create dialogue that provoke viewers; He Jian Cheng explores the origin of life; Li Tao goes through the process of spiritual awakening and questions the meaning of life; Sun Jia Xuan focuses on the sense of being alive; Zhang Wei conveys emotion and logic; Zhu Dong Hui insists there is a metaphoric relationship in art and life. Blending their individual approach in art-making renders this exhibition unique and enjoyable.

New Zealand has a lot to offer these visiting artists - the land, the people, the culture and lifestyle. In Big Catch On Live Bait, these artists will present works they brought from China as well as new works they made during their stay in New Zealand. 

Let's look at their works as “Bait” and see what they can “Catch”. Perhaps a new impression of Aoteaoa - the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Articles:  

With more than ninety years of history, Nathan Homestead is today a centre for arts and community situated within the magnificent grounds of David Nathan Park on the southern outskirts of the city. With the direction and support of the Manurewa Local Board, the centre has renewed its commitment to the diversity of peoples and cultures in our community.

 弥森家园(Nathan Homestead)坐落于新西兰奥克兰市南郊风景优美的大卫·弥森公园( David Nathan Park)。这座建筑始建于近一个世纪以前,如今已成为当地的艺术和社区中心。在马努雷瓦区地方委员会(Manurewa )的指导和帮助下,弥森家园一直坚持为丰富当地居民生活和提高文化多样性不懈努力。

 It is with great pleasure that we are hosting six visiting artists from China for the exhibition Big Catch on Live Bait curated by Alvin Xiong and Philip Tse. This two part endeavour in the gallery gives visitors the opportunity to engage in conversation with the artists and to observe the development of their art as we chart a course for the centre as a creative hub for the development of the arts in New Zealand.

此次6位中国艺术家远道而来,由熊炜(Alvin Xiong)和谢宝泉Philip Tse)两人操刀策展,带来一场别开生面的《樂與餌》(Big Catch on Live Bait)艺术展,作为主办方,我们感到十分荣幸。未来,弥森家园将成为促进新西兰艺术发展的创意小站,这次中新双方通力合作,也让参观者有机会与艺术家互动交流,深入了解他们的艺术人生。

 

Echo Janman

Arts and Culture Facilities Manager
Studio One Toi Tū and Nathan Homestead

Arts, Community and Events

Auckland Council

New Zealand   

 

新西兰奥克兰市议会艺术和社区活动部

Studio One Toi Tū弥森家园艺术文化设施管理负责人

厄科·简曼(Echo Janman


“concerto in ticktack” in Elam Grad Show 2015

 

Alvin will be there on 27th 5-8pm, 28th 2:30-4pm, 29th 10-4pm. :) 

Statement: 

In the Yin and Yang symbol, Yin is the black side with the white dot in it, and Yang is the white side with the black dot in it.[1] In Chinese aesthetic philosophy, Yin and Yang (darkness and light) describe how apparently opposite or contrary forces are actually complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world, and how they give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another.[2] As Francis Bacon said, “In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.”[3] This implies that darkness enhances the power of light, and the light makes the darkness even deeper.

 

My project investigates the relationship between light and shadow, by using their relationship within a minimalist sculptural light work. Light has been an important element in the visual world since ancient civilizations. The sanctity of light and sun is one of the most ancient and persistent themes within sacred art and architecture. People in ancient times worshipped the sun, reflecting their ancient thoughts that the sun had immortal power over human mortality. On the other hand, the importance of light is not only apparent in ancient art, but also appears in minimalist and post minimalist earth art, like James Turrell’s The Roden Crater Project and Nancy Holt’s Sun Tunnels.

 

In this work, I try to integrate Yin and Yang philosophy to modify the space, creating an atmosphere of harmony for the viewer. In this particular space, the white items are my Yang elements; the floating black fabric creating a non-flat volume to respond the white area and balancing the entire energy in the room.

Yin and Yang is also about the cycle of life: starting with the rising sun where the rays shine straight up. From there, the sun goes higher into the sky creating rays of light that point downwards creating shadows. As the sun rising, it creates energy and movement. Those items that were in the dark are now in the light. This thought provides a way to integrate drawing as a movement from the body into this contemporary light work. Drawing on my expression to respond to the light and showing the viewer how I worship light. Once the audience walks into the work, their body movements continuously activate the work together with the artist’s gesture, their presence completing the installation.

__________________________________

[1] Schreuder, Duco. Vision and visual perception: The Conscious Base of Seeing. Bloomington: Archway Publishing, 2014

[2] “Yin and Yang.” Livelovecreate. Accessed November 7, 2015. http://www.livelovecreate.org/2014/09/yin-and-yang.html

[3]Fransic Bacon Quotes.” Brainy Quote. Accessed September 3, 2015. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/f/francisbac119506.html

Title: concerto in ticktack

Medium: Light Emitting Diodes, electrical component, fabric, pigment

Dimension: approx. 14,000L x 3,000H x 3,000W mm

 

Elam Grad Show 2015

Congratulations!

University staff and I are excited to celebrate your final presentation at the preview of the Elam Grad Show 2015. As you know this event is one of the highlights of Auckland's art calendar. We look forward to seeing you and your whanau at the preview and hope you will encourage the wider public to attend the Grad Show during the subsequent weekend.

-Peter Shand, Head of School
 
Preview Event:
Friday 27 November, 5-8pm
Main Lawn, Elam B, Building 113, 5 Symonds St
(Behind the University clock-tower)

Public Open Days:

Sat 28 & Sun 29 November, 10am-4pm
Parking available at the Owen G Glenn Building and on Princes Street.


[Image: Olivia Blyth]

Eastern Courier: Artwork gives contemporary touch to old church

Eastern Courier: Artwork gives contemporary touch to old church by Meghan Lawrence

Alvin Xiong's luminous blue tubes rest high in the ceiling, weaving between beams and theatrical rigging.

His art installation is one of many in Uxbridge Creative Centre's newest exhibition Reaching the Horizon and Beyond.

The East Auckland artist took his inspiration from the title of the exhibition and the architecture of the gallery.

Alvin Xiong stands below his art installation Reaching the Horizon and Beyond.

"Because the Malcolm Smith Gallery used to be a church, the set up is quite special and has its own character," he says.

"I had to think about how I can use my light work to respond to these special qualities."

Xiong is a Master of Fine Arts student at Elam School of Fine Arts and has been using light as a medium for about four years.

His most recent work aims to create a special atmosphere and give the viewer an immersive experience.

"This installation is three dimensional and the viewer needs to raise their head to see and feel the light," he says.

The 27-year-old moved here from China after training at Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts.

Relocating was a chance to explore contemporary practices, he says.

In the last two years alone Xiong has been a finalist in eight different awards, including the Uxbridge Estuary Art Awards.

Visual arts manager and curator Balamohan Shingade says Reaching the Horizon and Beyond is one of the last exhibitions to be held in the Malcolm Smith Gallery, with Uxbridge undergoing redevelopment.

He says artists were chosen based on their ability to exploit and explore the space.

"The most important thing for me was responding to the fact we are going through redevelopments and that there is an underlying sense of change," he says.

The show spans across two locations, with a second set up at Ponsonby's Studio One Toi Tu.

Shingade says the two sites were chosen because of the unique changes they have been through.

"What we are trying to do is link the ambitions of the two centres and highlight the fact we are trying to respond to the potential of our communities," he says.

Reaching the Horizon and Beyond, an exhibition curated by Philip Tse, will be on show from August 5 to September 5.

Go to uxbridge.org.nz for more information.

 - Stuff

Link: http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/eastern-courier/71049896/artwork-gives-contemporary-touch-to-old-church

Group Show: Uxbridge (Malcolm Smith Gallery) - Reaching The Horizon And Beyond

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” – Lao Tzu

Studio One Toi Tū occupies what was once a police station at the edge of the city, and Uxbridge, a Presbyterian Church in the eastern suburbs of Auckland. Today, both offer a new place for community as centres for arts and culture in metropolitan Auckland. Philip Tse’s two satellite exhibitions bring together a collection of artists whose works respond to our changeable world and the elusive horizon. Presented in collaboration with Studio One Toi Tū: 
https://www.facebook.com/events/897577633649841/

ON SHOW
5 August – 5 September 2015


EXHIBITION OPENING
Tuesday 4 August, 6pm – free

Join us for a Curator's Talk with Artists as part of the Exhibition Opening

 

ADDRESS: 

35 Uxbridge Rd, Mellons Bay, Auckland


PUBLIC PROGRAMMES
Thursday 3 September, 8pm – $8
In celebration of Tonga Language Week, Uxbridge Cinema presents Tongan Ark. Join us for a Director's Talk and Q&A with Paul Janman alongside the cinema screening.Call (09) 535 6467 for bookings, or click here for more details:
[Link]

Featuring artworks by Alvin Xiong, Andre Sampson, Dasul Lee, Deborah Crowe, Diane Scott, Emma Langridge, George Grim, Hanna Shim, Jamie Chapman, John Hodgson, Kingsley Melhuish, Miyoko McGregor Yamashita, Nim Flora Chan, Paul Janman with Richard von Sturmer and Ian Powell, Philip Tse, Rozana Lee, Shahenda Soliman, Shruti Yatri, Wai Kit Lam

 

Group show: Studio One (TOI TŪ) - Reaching the Horizon and Beyond

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like” – Lao Tzu

Studio One Toi Tū occupies what was once a police station at the edge of the city, and Uxbridge, a Presbyterian Church in the eastern suburbs of Auckland. Today, both offer a new place for community as centres for arts and culture in metropolitan Auckland. Philip Tse’s two satellite exhibitions bring together a collection of artists whose works respond to our changeable world and the elusive horizon. In collaboration with Uxbridge Creative Centre (10 August – 5 September).

Featuring work by Alvin Xiong, Andre Sampson, Dasul Lee, Deborah Crowe, Diane Scott, Emma Langridge, George Grim, Hanna Shim, Jamie Chapman, John Hodgson, Kingsley Melhugish, Miyoko Yamashita McGregor, Nim Flora Chan, Paul Janman, Richard von Sturmer, Ian Powell, Philip Tse, Rozana Lee, Shahenda Soliman, Shruti Ytari and Wai Kit Lam.

Exhibition Opening: WEDNESDAY 29 JULY, 5 - 7PM
Address: 1 Ponsonby Rd, Greg Lynn, Auckland 1011


On Show: 30 JUL - 20 AUG
In Gallery: ONE, THREE AND FOUR

 

Exhibition: The Feeling Memento in Vero Centre on 12th March 2015

Hi my friends,

I would warmly invite you to see my new light works in my exhibition 'The Feeling Memento' in one of the landmark buildings Vero Centre in Auckland CBD.

More details about the exhibition as followed:

Venue: Vero Centre lobby, Auckland CBD

Exhibition Dates: 12th March - 12th April, 2015

Beijing Blue, Light Emitting Diodes, Plexiglass, Vinyl, 900mm‍ square, 2015

Beijing Blue, Light Emitting Diodes, Plexiglass, Vinyl, 900mm‍ square, 2015

Statement:

These new works are inspired by a true love story. All these artworks will be completed by time, maybe in ten days, ten months or ten years … 

The Feeling Memento

Love is always so great to remember, especially we fall in love and become one. Like Tagore said ‘Let life be beautiful like summer flowers and death like autumn leaves.’ That happy feeling of being in love is so beautiful, like the opened flower, but when the love is lost and gone suddenly without any notice, the love feeling becomes like the withered flower. Without water, without light, without fertiliser, it becomes weak and lifeless. You start trying to forget and escape the feeling of love lost and you question everything that was in your love story,
What? How? Why?... 

I use the LED strip to represent my feelings about the love story, the curve is for emphasising the emotion as I agree with Mondrian who said that ‘curves are so emotional’. 
When the LED strip is shinning and alive, it means that I still have that feeling of the legacy of love in my mind. Little by little, one day, the light will not shine. It means the feeling of this love story is gone, but at the same time, the piece of artwork is complete, it becomes my love feeling memento. The artwork has its new life and a new form forever.

Musicians can use their songs and albums to express the feelings in their heart. The feelings can be happy, excited, sad, angry, disappointed, etc. As an artist, I don’t want to talk about any great theory or involve any crazy idea in this exhibition. I just want to be ‘naked’ and show all the viewers a true artist heart. Also, all the viewers are my listeners, I hope you can enjoy my visual album, even if it tastes a little bit bitter and sad, but it is made in the particular period from a humble artists heart.

 

Regards,

Alvin Xiong

Finalist in Estuary Art Awards 2015

Hi my friends,

My work 'changing...' has been selected as one of the finalist in the Estuary Art Awards 2015. The work will show in Uxbridge Arts Centre and Fo Guan Shan Temple. 

Please see the exhibition details as below.

Exhibition at Uxbridge Arts Centre:

Address: 35 Uxbridge Road, Howick, Auckland

Opening of exhibition and prize-giving: 6:30pm 12 March

Duration of exhibition: 13 March – 24 April

Gallery hours: Weekdays 9am – 4pm & Saturday 9:30am – 2pm

Exhibition at Fo Guang Shan Temple:

Address: 16 Stancombe Road, Flatbush, Auckland

Opening and prize-giving of people’s choice award  1pm 3 May

Duration of the exhibition: 4 May - TBC

lease come to join the opening and see my work there! 

 

cheers,

Alvin

 

 

Finalist in First Impression II Exhibition 2015

Hi my friends,

My printmaking work 'Behind the Hazel light' has been selected to be one of the finalist in the First Impression II exhibition in Mairangi Art Centre. Please come and see my work in the opening. :) 

Please see the exhibition details as below:

First Impressions II

Opening Mar 4 , 6pm

Mar 4 - Mar 28

Mairangi Arts Centre
20 Hastings Rd, Mairangi Bay 0630

Phone: (09) 478-2237
Email: michelle@mairangiarts.co.nz

Centre Hours: Mon-Fri: 9.30am-4pm, 
Sat: 10am-2pm & Sun: 10am-2pm

Our national printmaking exhibition will feature at MAC for the second time. It will be a selected exhibition with the premier award winner receiving a package of: $1000 professional A4 Etching Press from the prestigious RGM manufacturer in Italy sponsored by The French Art ShopThe press comes with blankets, a Zinc plate ,a copper plate, and a selection of tools, $1000 cash prize (Mairangi Arts Centre) and one night's accommodation and  an exhibition at 'Art at Wharepuke' in Northland. The second prize winner a $250 product voucher from Factory Frames and People's Choice Award winner $200 product voucher from Gordon Harris the Art & Graphic Store

Members of the selection panel are:
Dr Carole Shepheard - Carole has exhibited both nationally and internationally with her work being in all major New Zealand Art collections including the Auckland Art Gallery and Te Papa Tongarewa
Mark Graver - an award winning New Zealand based artist/printmaker specialising in Acrylic Resist Etching and Video Art
Steve Lovett - Senior Lecturer at Manukau Institute of Technology
Struan Hamilton -
 2D Team Leader at Elam School of Fine Arts

Judge: Dr Carole Shepheard 

 

cheers,

Alvin

 

 

Elam Grad Show 2014

Hi my friends,

I'll present my first year MFA final artwork in Elam Grad Show 2014! My light work 'Love Romance' will be presented at Mondrian Building Level 2 (the colourful building opposite of the main fine art building). I'll be there on this Sunday! Come and have a chat if you are free. :) 

Please check the following paragraph for more information about the Elam Grad Show 2014. 

Cheers,

Alvin  

Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November
10am until 4pm
Elam School of Fine Arts
20 Whitaker Place
5 Symonds Street (Elam B)
25a Princes Street (George Fraser Gallery)

The work exhibited across the school is presented by final year undergraduate and postgraduate students. The Elam Grad Show provides a glimpse into the future of contemporary arts practice with many of the students featured going on to enjoy stellar careers both in New Zealand and abroad. Please feel free to come tour the studios and meet our graduates. This is a major opportunity to share their most refined ideas and insights into fine art.

All are welcome and it is free to attend. Park at the City Campus carpark at the Owen G Glenn building for $6. On Sundays parking on Princes Street is free.

For more info email: nicai-marketing@auckland.ac.nz
Website: Elam School of Fine Arts

Corner Window Gallery project is on show now!

Corner Window Gallery 

curated by Rob Garrett

Address: corner on 478 K'rd, Auckland

http://www.robgarrettcfa.com/content/2013/09/18/corner-window-gallery

 

Project 019: Alvin Xiong (NZ/CN)

Light Gemini, 2014
LED lights, electrical component, custom glass, wood panel
Independent (left) 1200 x 730 x 100 mm; Freedom (right) dimensions variable
27 November 2014 – 22 January 2015

Artist’s statement:
My project uses light as a medium to create painting. It is often the case that the term ‘light painting’ indicates the use of photography to capture the light tracks in a dark space. In that situation photographic ‘light painting’ is an action which is presented on a flat surface as a two dimensional picture. I’m interested instead to experiment with a form of light painting, which can use light itself to be the painting medium and the audience can feel light itself, colouring and illuminating the surface of the gallery wall.

I use mirrors to create the shades and intensities of colour normally produced with a painting brush. The mirrors control my special paint: light. The mirrors reflect the light source and also give me the capability to create subtle variations in the way light appears; like painting. In the project at Corner, my brush strokes are the different light lines reflected on the surface. Modern materials such as mirror and transparent light filters enable me to simulate a glazing process reminiscent of old master paintings. Just as they used transparent pigmented paint, to enhance colour tone, I aim to manipulate light.

About the artist:
Alvin Xiong (b.1987) is an Auckland-based multi-discipline artist. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in oil painting from Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts in China; and he is currently completing his Master of Fine Arts at Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Xiong has received several New Zealand art awards, including the Emerging Artist Award at the NZ Art Show, Wellington (2014); the Tertiary Award in The Trust Art and Sculpture Awards, Auckland (2014); and Best Digital Artwork Category in the National Youth Art Awards, Hamilton (2013). His work is exhibited in New Zealand and China. The artist’s personal website: www.alvinxiong.com

Group show: So where's home?

Is home a place? A memory? A feeling? An emotion? Or something else? With a diverse range of practices the artists put into dialogue their sense of home, place and belonging. 

Opening: Tuesday 19 August 2014, 5.30pm

20 August - 30 August 2014
Monday - Saturday 11.00am - 4.00pm
George Fraser Gallery

Artists: 
KW Mandy CHAN
Nim Flora CHAN
Kat GU
Kevin Kumsung KIM
Minkyeong KIM
Jane LEHTINEN
Wanshi MENG
Yurie OGURA
Sena PARK
Alvin XIONG
Aya YAMASHITA

Curated by Alvin XIONG and Aya YAMASHITA