Visually Auckland Museum’s exhibition Wonderland: The Magic of the Rose is both attractive and busy, curators having chosen a kitsch aesthetic, the hall mixing WORLD’s Astroturf suit with artificial roses and taxidermied rabbits…
Auckland Museum’s exhibition Wonderland: The Magic of the Rose examines the enduring allure of the rose and its influence on our culture, exploring its significance in two spheres – nature and art.
Visually the exhibition is both attractive and busy, curators having chosen a kitsch aesthetic, the entrance hall mixing such items as WORLD’s Astroturf suit with bright artificial roses and taxidermied rabbits. The ‘nature’ side of the exhibit draws you into a spiral, and presents an examination of the biology of the rose, continuing the kitschy theme with bright colours and hectic displays.
As well as the standard museum fare, there are live bees buzzing, interactive games, neon lights and rosy aromas. It’s all quite visually and aurally overwhelming but a high level of interactivity means that it remains pleasingly engaging.
A welcome respite is a screen projecting time-lapsed footage of unfurling roses – quite captivating. This part of the exhibition observes the specific impact of roses in New Zealand’s environment, which gives the showcase a local relevancy.
The ‘art’ section is smaller, being on the inside of the spiral, and also offers a strong sensory experience.
Dresses, handbags and bone china featuring the rose pattern make an welcome appearance, and a feature is made of the work of New Zealand fashion designers Bruce Papas and Emma Knuckey, who brought Hollywood fashion to downtown Auckland during the 1950s and whose designs regularly featured the rose motif.
The ‘art’ section also explores the rose’s relevance in literature, film, fine art and culture, and is both insightful and uncomplicated in its delivery.
Inspired by Wonderland: The Magic of The Rose, Auckland Museum is presenting Fabulous Fridays, where Maggie Barry facilitates a panel of gardeners and designers discussing the care of roses and the symbolism and influence of the rose in art and culture.
Wonderland: The Magic of the Rose at Auckland Museum til 16 April 2010. Admission is $8.
Fabulous Fridays next event is at Auckland Museum at 11am on Friday 26 March 2010.
Tickets cost $15 and include admission to Wonderland: The Magic of The Rose.
Words and photos Jane Apperley
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