Overview
Freedom Farmers: New Zealand Artists Growing Ideas, the hot new summer exhibition at Auckland Art Gallery brings together 20 of New Zealand's most important contemporary artists. Freedom Farmers is a showcase of classic kiwi ingenuity and creativity and is centred around themes of utopia, sustainability, artistic freedom and creative living.
There's a huge variety of work on display, from functional to aesthetic and familiar to foreboding; a room full of Francis Upritchard's quirky colourful characters, a display of functional eco-objects and Dan Arps' larger than life playroom installation. Oh yes, and don't forget the treehouse.
There's a great programme of events running alongside the exhibition, including artist talks, tours, film screening and book readings. Join Bogan expert Dave Snell for a unique insight into the Bogan subculture on Sunday November 10th at 1pm, followed by a reading by Tessa Laird from her recently released book Rainbow Reader at 3.
On Sunday November 17 at 11am, join photographer Edith Amituanai for a talk about her work in the exhibition followed by a viewing of her mini documentary Ranui 135. At 1pm Riki Bennett takes the floor for a presentation on traditional uses of plants by Maori.