I SEE RED, I SEE RED
TONIGHT!!!
Benjamin Work’s first solo exhibition opens at fresh Gallery in Otara. Benjamin makes striking symbolic work in a variety of mediums from photography, to murals to paintings. Benjamin was the feature artist for the inaugural issue of The Vernacularist journal produced by Depot Artspace. I’m a big fan and can’t wait to see a whole exhibition of new work! Read on to find out more.
I SEE RED, I SEE RED, I SEE RED, Benjamin Work’s first solo exhibition explores the latent power of the colour red and its association with violent acts, grouping and beliefs from the world view of the artist as a New Zealand born Tongan. “Kula” (red) and “uli” (black) have been present in Tongan thinking and practice for centuries and today find resonance with contemporary Pacific Youth and gangs.
I SEE RED, I SEE RED, I SEE RED also references Pacific/Moana cultural concepts and migration.
Exhibition date: 14 March – 26 April 2014
OPENING: 6pm, Thursday 13 March
Public Programme:
Artist floor talk with Benjamin Work
When: 12 – 1pm, Saturday 29 March
Benjamin Work is a south Auckland-based visual artist of Tongan heritage. Work has a strong foundation in aerosol painting and graffiti and is a core member of the Auckland art collective, TMD.
In recent years, Work’s practice has expanded to photography and performance. Work’s diverse output includes large scale public mural commissions, limited editions and postage stamps. Work is also a member of the Auckland-based Tongan art collective, No’o Fakataha.
Fresh Gallery: 5/46 Fairmall, Otara Town Central, Auckland, New Zealand 2241