Artistic Diversion

If the Diverge exhibition was anything to go by, the future of Christchurch art is in very good hands. While there was not a designated theme for the evening, earthquake damage provided inspiration for a few Design and Arts School students…

If the Diverge exhibition was anything to go by, the future of Christchurch art is in very good hands.

The event, which was hosted by the Design and Arts School of New Zealand, showcased a wide range of works from second year Fine Arts students.

The 13 designers chose the style of their pieces from the categories of painting, drawing, photography, 3D sculpture and printmaking – producing some brilliant results.

The talent on display was certainly accompanied by a vibrant atmosphere, proud designers showing off a semester’s worth of work.

Complimentary wine and nibbles only boosted the evening’s feel, the free event attracting a full house.

Onlookers enjoy the work of Emily Marsdon.

The inclusion of 3D sculptures, a first for a second year exhibitions within the school, also attracted some admiration. One such model, Alex Grimwood’s artistic re-creation of the Central Exchange building, interested many – its theme targeting the postal history of the venue.

Alex with her re-creation of the postal building, the hanging letters reflecting historical postal items sourced from within her own family – giving the piece a warming personal touch. The finished product is the result of over nine weeks of work.

While there was not a designated theme for the evening, earthquake-damaged buildings provided inspiration for a few students. In particular, a work based on the Ballentynes department store made an interesting addition to the exhibition.

Pictured top left and below, Laura Mumby Crofts’s piece showed Ballentyne’s rich history through an evolving collection of the store’s perfume bottles. The work took over 100 hours to assemble and at least two hours to put on display.

All in all, Diverge was an outstanding finish to a difficult semester for Design and Art School students – the standard of displays remaining impressively high, despite the trouble of recent months.

Two girls examine Cameron Gray’s work.

Lisa Tom’s "Private Moments", showcased black and white double-exposed photography – which was chemically altered to produce a blue tone.

By Thomas Mead, 5 August 2011.