Directors of a new gallery focused solely on Pacific art talk to Candice Reed
Emerging Pacific Art artists are being given an opportunity to showcase their work in a new Auckland gallery.
Directors of o'kai oceanikart, Marilyn Kohlhase and Bridget Marsh, believe it is the first gallery in New Zealand dedicated purely
to Pacific artwork.
Marilyn says the gallery, on Karangahape Rd and also accessible through the Langham Hotel Mall, aims to offer emerging artists an outlet to sell and show their work.
``Our intention is to sell the work so the artist can go away and make more and, therefore, live as an artist,'' says Bridget.
The women met 15 years ago on a committee to develop a qualification for the training of arts. Marilyn has worked with Creative New Zealand and Bridget as a business mentor.
The idea to open a Pacific art gallery came when both identified a gap in support for talented, graduating artists.
``We both noticed after an artist graduates or gets to the stage where they are emerging there was a very specific need for something to give them an opportunity to grow and develop and present their work,'' says Bridget.
``This gives them the opportunity to make more work necessary to get them to the next level.''
The gallery opened earlier this year. Showcased art ranges from photography, oil and acrylic painting to sculpture and weaving.
The directors believe Pacific art is forging a name internationally, and intend to help local artists launch their careers.
Marilyn says, ``I've got a background in Pacific education and it's really struck me that there's a lot of natural Pacific talent in the creative arts.
``This is a viable career for Pacific people and we aim to be a beacon for them.''
