Sci-fi fantasy opens at museum

A free exhibition celebrating New Zealand science fiction artworks opens at Waikato Museum on November 10.

White Cloud Worlds is a collection of fantasy works by New Zealand artists and designers, including Paul Tobin, Greg Broadmore, Simon Morse and Jamie Beswarick.

Waikato Museum director Cherie Meecham says it is important for the museum to appeal to a broad range of people.

"White Cloud Worlds has unique appeal to a specific audience with its sci-fi and fantasy art themes.

"This audience is young or youthful and inspired by the graphic potential of the digital world," she said.

The exhibition includes original pieces including sculptures and large prints of a few of the digital artwork.

It originated from the book called White Cloud Worlds: An Anthology of Fantasy and Science Fiction Artwork from Aotearoa New Zealand. The book also contains written contributions from both film director Guillermo Del Toro and Weta Workshop's Sir Richard Taylor.

"White Cloud Worlds celebrates the work of New Zealand's sci-fi and fantasy illustrators, designers and conceptual artists, many of whom have been involved in Avatar, Lord of the Rings and Marvel comics.

"The 27 exhibitors represent an industry New Zealand is known for, and can be proud of," Meecham said.

White Cloud Worlds runs until March 17.