Foundation supports Gallery acquisition

Rumours (Mermaid) 2020, by Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington artist Sorawit Songsataya, was exhibited in the Govett-Brewster’s Open Window Gallery in late 2020. The work, which comprises a digital lightbox, considers the distance and difference that humans construct between themselves and the natural world, and how this sits in contrast with our desire to reconnect with the environment.

This concern with humanity’s relationship with the natural world is reflected in the artwork’s title, Rumours (Mermaid), and its subject, which gesture toward the potential of embracing nature.

“Rumours (Mermaid) is a timely and impressive work by a thoughtful artist and hence fitting for the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery’s permanent collection,” says Gallery Director Zara Stanhope.

“It is a significant work based on the artist’s research into the local ecological and geographic histories of Ngāmotu, and in particular Paritutu and the Sugar Loaf Islands, and reflects the gallery’s place both within and because of this distinctive and historic landscape.”

Born in 1986, Songataya’s practice explores the tangential connections that define our understandings of ecology and subjectivity in a digital world. Songsataya often employs moving image and sculpture, machine and handmade, within installation environments, incorporating both digital and tactile media in an exploration of world-making in imaginative ways.

Winner of the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award 3D (2020) and National Contemporary Art Award (2016), Songsataya has held residencies with Enjoy Contemporary Art Space, Wellington, McCahon House, Auckland, and the International Artists Studio Program, Stockholm.

“The Gallery’s permanent collection was established and principally funded by bequest from its founding patron Monica Brewster, and includes many remarkable examples of contemporary art and artists of the last five decades,” Foundation Chair John Leuthart says.

“The Foundation is now the primary source of support for the Gallery to acquire new works and to keep the collection focused on the art and the culture of now. Our newly-launched membership programme seeks to grow the level of support we can give the Gallery to ensure the collection remains current and of value to the local and national arts community.”