Ahsin Ahsin: Turbo Croc 2.0

Overview

The crocs have moved into Wellington's City Gallery Te Whare Toi — but don't worry, these ones can't bite. The animals are part of Turbo Croc 2.0, a mind-bending exhibition by Ahsin Ahsin showing from Saturday, February 3–Sunday, May 19.

The Cook Island multi-disciplinary artist has been working on a collection of half-human half-crocodile characters for a number of years, born out of his love of ancient Roman and Greek murals and artefacts, particularly the black-figure paintings found on vases from the time.

Ahsin is typically a street artist, bringing the concept of public art — loud, unapologetic designs with a touch of graffiti — to his Turbo Croc 2.0 exhibition, inviting viewers inside the depths of his imaginary world of fantasy creatures. The black-figure paintings will adorn walls instead of vases, a modern take on the traditional paintings. The Roman-inspired vases remain in a different form, using bursts of neon colours instead of muted coppers.

Inspired by pop and skate culture of the 1980s and 1990s, Ahsin has created a collection of what he calls Miami Vice crocs, living in a vibrant neo-pop world. As well as these new croc additions, art-lovers will be reunited with Ahsin's already established croc family: Robo Croc, Black Figure Croc, Flamboyant and Thicc Croc, big and bright characters leering from the gallery walls.

The exhibition is free to view at the City Wellington Gallery, with the gallery opening on Monday–Friday from 4–7.30pm and Saturday–Sunday from 10am–5pm.