You may have heard him giving an informative speech about the Sarjeant Gallery Redevelopment Project, seen him at one of our exhibition openings or even strolling down Victoria Ave on a sunny day, but just who is Greg Anderson?
After hearing this question asked from a number of different corners, I endeavoured to find out a bit about our charismatic leader. This week will feature part one of a two-part story on Greg Anderson and his role as senior curator at the Sarjeant Gallery.
Born in 1972 and coming originally from Auckland, Greg, with his wife Dee, moved to Wanganui in September 2007 to take up the lead role of senior curator at the Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare O Rehua - Whanganui. The couple have made Wanganui their home and have since had a son, named Felix.
Greg studied first at Auckland University where he gained both a B.A. and an M.A. (Hons) in Art History. Beginning with the study of languages, he soon became focused on the History of Art with particular interest in philosophy, film, Renaissance Art and the work of Colin McCahon. Having completed these degrees and gaining experience in public and private galleries in Auckland, he went on to study another Master's Degree in Fine Arts Administration & Curatorship at the University of London's prestigious Goldsmiths College. Greg's previous gallery work has ranged from time spent at Artspace, Gow Langsford Gallery, managing a private gallery in London, and working at both Auckland Museum and Auckland Art Gallery. His primary area of focus at the moment is driving the Sarjeant Gallery Redevelopment Project.
Greg has now been in his role at the Sarjeant for seven years. "Ever since I was a student studying art history I've known about the Sarjeant, so I leapt at the opportunity to work here," he said when asked what attracted him to the role.