What's On in the Arts in Central Otago - July
Coming up at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery in July is an exhibition of works
by Queenstown artist Marc Blake. Blurring the line between digital and physical processes, Blake's artistic practice reflects the profound influence of technology on his life, art and our collective culture and society. By intuitively integrating photography, digital compositions and multiple, traditional drawing and painting techniques, Blake’s highly original works explore ideas relating to art history, reality, and the hand of the artist in the digital age. Installed across both galleries, this exhibition will feature works from two new series of paintings by Blake, as well as a survey of selected, previous works, highlighting the
evolution of his highly original practice over the past two decades. 'Like Pleasures of the World’ is a unique opportunity to view works by this award-winning, local artist who is forging a new path in contemporary painting. He will also be presenting a discussion and a guided walk through his exhibition on Saturday, July 29 at 4pm. Everyone is welcome to attend, and entry is free. Marc Blake was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. After graduating from Auckland University, he lived and worked in Yokohama, Japan and Sydney, Australia, before returning to New Zealand and moving to Queenstown in 2015, where he lives with his wife
and their young son. Exhibiting widely since 2005, Blake is extensively represented in collections both nationally and internationally, including eighteen works held in significant New Zealand arts trust collections. A recipient of and finalist in numerous national art awards, including the Supreme Winner of the 2023 Craigs Aspiring Art Prize, his work has also been shown in exhibitions at the Auckland Art Gallery, the Kyoto Cultural Museum and The Dowse, as well as a residency and exhibition at BankART NYK, Yokohama. Creative New Zealand, The Central Otago District Arts Trust, Nockie’s Palette wines and BROKER gallery have all provided support for this exhibition. 'Like Pleasures of the World' will be on show from the 27th of July to the 20th of August at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery. It is with much sadness that we note the recent passing of Denis Litchfield. Denis was a true friend and supporter of the arts in Central Otago, and he was an accomplished artist and skilled musician in his own right. Denis was a committee member of the Central Otago Art Society and Alexandra Community Arts and was one of the artists on the CODAT Arts Trail whose gemstone studio was open to visitors. He
was instrumental in establishing the Central Otago Musicians Inclusive Club and Open Mic Nights in Central Otago, and he put great effort towards ensuring arts events like the Central Otago Buskers weekend, Art at the Packing Shed (and many others) were a success. Denis had a stash of stories from his colourful life which he willingly shared with friends and fellow art lovers – and if you happened to meet up with him on one of his walks around town. The arts community in our region will be all the poorer for not having Denis in our midst and we will miss his genial and affable personality. Thank you, Denis, for everything you contributed to our art world in Central Otago. Stay warm and enjoy everything on in the arts in Central Otago and surrounds in July.
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