Paper, creature, stone exhibit

Creatures from the distant past or visitors from another dimension? An arresting new exhibition from internationally renowned Kiwi artist Francis Upritchard features a range of human and animal forms made from balata rubber, a curious substance extracted from trees in Brazil.

The new exhibition ‘Paper, Creature, Stone’ also includes ceramic works, figurative sculptures and watercolours – all new pieces from Upritchard that will be on display from Saturday 2 April at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū.

“It’s exciting to be sharing brand new work by one of Aotearoa’s most prominent contemporary artists,” says curator Felicity Milburn. “As well as the curiously elongated – and captivatingly human – balata figures, it’s a rare chance to see a wide spectrum of her current practice. Also on display will be a strange array of carefully posed figures, hand-modelled from polymer clay and outfitted in clothing and jewellery made by collaborators from around the country. Ceramic vases and bowls, thrown by Taranaki potter Nicholas Brandon and glazed by Upritchard with unexpected designs, give a sense of mystery to these age-old forms.”

The pieces in ‘Paper, Creature, Stone’ incorporate the work and expertise of a range of craftspeople from around New Zealand, including, potter Nicholas Brandon, fashion designer Steven Junil Park and jeweller Karl Fritsch.

The creation of the exhibition reflects this particular, peculiar moment in human history, when working together is both harder and more essential than ever. Collaboration made this exhibition possible – and, for Francis, more fun than working alone,” says Milburn.

‘Paper, Creature, Stone’ runs from 2 April to 24 July.