The human body is endlessly fascinating. That's why this artist has painted it so often.
Sharu Delilkan looks in on a retrospective.
Jan Nigro is renowned for her illustrious career as a figurative artist spanning more than six decades.
While her exhibition is a retrospective, Encounters & Journeys at Jane Sanders Art
Agent gallery, includes some "never been seen" gems dating from the 1950s.
The show's curator, gallery owner Jane Sanders, says of Nigro's work, "It was a treasure trove and I had many surprises while looking through her past work. It's nice to be looking into the past for once, while the artist is still around, especially since everyone is so preoccupied with what's new."
Having lived for nine decades, Nigro has seen society undergo many changes and she's adjusted the content of her paintings to accommodate those changes.
"I remember painting more women figures than men to counter inequality. It was a battle of the sexes and I was determined not to give in. And in the 1970s, I exchanged gender stereotypes as part of my social commentary."
Although many artists were painting landscapes at the time, the Takapuna artist didn't succumb.
"I have always been fascinated with painting the human form, ever since I was 3 years old when my teacher taught me how to draw hair on my stick figure."
Celebrating the human body has been a lifelong passion. "I was once in Oz painting a nude model in the middle of a town square when some kids walked past and shouted out 'pervert!'," she chuckles.
Pervert is an utterly ignorant adjective to throw at this painter. The prolific artist's caring interpretation of people is obvious.
"I've painted other subjects during my career but have always reverted to the human form - that's because I find people interesting and fascinating."
Encounters & Journeys, Jane Sanders ART Agent, Level 1, Blackett's Building, cnr Shortland and Queen Sts, until Oct 2. Contact: ph 358 2625. Details, see: www.artagent.co.nz
