Providing surfers with another medium

SURFING ART: A new exhibition for surfers to express themselves through art opens at Miharo Gallery on Friday. This piece by Steph Barnett features in the exhibition. Picture supplied

Giving surfers the chance to express themselves through art is the aim of the Makorori First Light Exhibition starting tomorrow at Miharo Gallery.

The opening is from 6pm till 8pm and the art will be in the gallery for one week.

The artists are all longboarders who compete in the Makorori First Light Longboard Surfing Classic

Organiser Angus Maindonald said surfers were artists when on the water.

“Whatever they are doing on the board is an expression of themselves,” he said.

“They carry other talents on the water so we wanted to provide another medium for them to express themselves on paper, or canvas, whatever medium they choose.”

The artworks will be a collection of local art inspired by the ocean and surf.

“There are 15 artists who have created something for the exhibition.

“I haven't restricted them on what medium they want to use to express themselves,” Maindonald said.

“Surfing can influence what they want to do, it doesn't have to be locations, it can just be about whatever they experience through surfing.”

Co-organiser Hamiora Gibson, who also competes in the Makorori First Light competition, said the exhibition was for those who longboard and create art.

“Many people who compete in the competition also create art, so we thought a cool way for them to express themselves would be by doing an exhibition.”

Makorori First Light Exhibition, Miharo Gallery, 118 Gladstone Road. Opening tomorrow, February 19, 6pm-8pm.