Liz Allan: How to dress for local conditions
06 Dec 2008 - 16 Mar 2009
How to dress for local conditions is based around the stories of Taranaki people and communities. Allan elaborates on the histories, moments and distinctive features residents of the region wish to identify with, promote and share.
Curated by Melanie Oliver
Liz Allan is the Govett-Brewster’s current New Zealand Artist in Residence. The Govett-Brewster’s Artist in Residence programme is offered in partnership with Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki and with support from Creative New Zealand.
Govett-Brewster Director Rhana Devenport says “Liz Allan, like many Govett-Brewster Artist in Residents, has become deeply involved in the local community. Her One Day Sculpture project Came a Hot Sundae: A Ronald Hugh Morrieson Festival at Hawera in October this year was a wonderful success that connected the Gallery directly with a whole new community in Taranaki.”
“Allan’s work rests on creating new ways to engage with people, and reflects a new wave of art practice internationally that relies less on material outcomes from art-making, and more on meaningful personal conversations and interactions between artists and audiences.”
For the past few months Allan has been observing local trends and says, “I’ve been told that tidy jeans and a t-shirt are local standards at most social functions, but people sure do like to dress up for an occasion.”
This exhibition will be accompanied by a comprehensive programme of public events including talks by the artist herself and Allan’s Tales Illustrated project where gallery visitors can share a story in exchange for a drawing.
Born in Whangarei in 1978, Allan lives and works in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Massey University, Wellington in 2003 and her work has since featured in numerous exhibitions, including Next Wave Festival 2008, Telecom Prospect 2007: New art New Zealand, City Gallery, Wellington, 2007; Sister City, Blindside Gallery, Melbourne, Australia, 2006; and SCAPE 2006 Biennial of Art in Public Space, Christchurch, 2006. Most recently Allan has completed her One Day Sculpture project Came a Hot Sundae: A Ronald Hugh Morrieson Festival in October. Allan also exhibited at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in 2005 as part of the exhibition Linked: connectivity and exchange. Allan is also a member of The Association of Collaboration.