10 Jun 2012
Objectspace is delighted to present Ubiquitous: Aspects of Contemporary Pattern, a thematic exhibition exploring contemporary pattern with works made by New Zealand makers and designers within the last 10 years.
David Brett, a British contemporary authority on pattern and ornament, observes that pattern is as pervasive, perennial and, implicitly, primordial as language and arithmetic. Indeed, pattern can be found in every culture, every era and in every environment. Pattern appears in fields as diverse as fashion, nature, mathematics, tattoo art, computer binary codes and interior design.
In presenting this exhibition, Objectspace seeks to explore the ubiquity of pattern in contemporary works. This exhibition presents works by contemporary practitioners working across a wide range of media including; design, craft, applied arts, sculpture and photography. The breadth of works included speaks to the prevalence and relevance of pattern in a contemporary context.
Both the exhibition and accompanying publication for Ubiquitous: Aspects of Contemporary Pattern focus on three thematic areas, exploring Pattern and Construction, Pattern and Identity, and Pattern and Knowledge. Expressed through a variety of approaches and techniques, these groupings of works reiterate pattern’s pervasive presence in many areas of life.
Pattern and Construction
This thematic area explores the essential qualities of pattern by investigating pattern construction. Three fundamental qualities of pattern are explored. Pattern as Surface asserts that the surface of an object can be decorated with the application of another material. Pattern as Substance observes that pattern can be structurally integral to the object. Configuring Pattern observes that the arrangement of individual motifs is a prerequisite in creating pattern which offers innumerable permutations.
Pattern and Identity
Pattern can function as a powerful tool of collective self-expression. Within this theme, four concepts are explored. Patterns of Identity explores pattern as the expression of a collective identity, both real and perceived. Patterns of Exchange notes that patterns are culturally specific and presents examples of patterns borrowed from other cultures. Political Patterns highlights the potential for motifs and repetition to be used persuasively and subversively to convey political messages, while Enduring Patterns observes that throughout history despite changing fashions and trends, the appeal of certain patterns has endured.
Pattern and Knowledge
Scientific disciplines have often turned to pattern to discern inherent laws and principles. Pattern and Mathematics showcases how pattern and mathematics inform each other. Perceiving Pattern explores theories that seek to explain how the eye translates visual stimuli into pattern. Patterns of Information investigates pattern as a visual code used to convey information. Pattern and Nature highlights the use of motifs derived from nature and different conceptions of nature reflected in different practices.
The practitioners in Ubiquitous: Aspects of Contemporary Pattern range from emerging to senior New Zealand makers. This exhibition is curated by Ioana Gordon-Smith. The exhibitors are:
Stephen Bradbourne
Joanna Campbell
Leanne Clayton
Neil Dawson
Richard Fahey
Darren Glass
Adrian Hailwood
Peata Larkin
Andrew Last
Andrew McLeod and Dilana
Tim Main and Dilana
Gina Matchitt
Genevieve Packer
PaperHands
Stephane Rondel & Ashley Allen
Sandra Thomson
David Trubridge
Jasmine Watson
Exhibition Details
What: Ubiquitous: Aspects of Contemporary Pattern
Where: Objectspace, 8 Ponsonby Rd, Auckland
When: Saturday 30 June – Saturday 1 September 2012
Gallery hours: Mon-Sat, 10:00am – 5:00pm, free admission
Public Programme - Saturday 30 June, 11am: Exhibition curator Ioana Gordon-Smith will give a floor talk, in conversation with various makers.
Further public programmes to be confirmed soon on the Objectspace website: www.objectspace.org.nz
Publication: Ubiquitous: Aspects of Contemporary Pattern
This lavishly illustrated exhibition publication features details of the works in the exhibition, accompanied by essays by exhibition curator Ioana Gordon-Smith and academic and gallerist Anna Miles. This publication will also be available to download for free from the Objectspace website: www.objectspace.org.nz.
For more information contact:
Laura Howard
Objectspace Programme Manager
Phone: (09) 376 6216 or 027 508 4311
Email: laura@objectspace.org.nz
www.objectspace.org.nz
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