Debbie's arts departure a big loss

050615SPJugs TOBY: Paul Rayner's jugs

JOAN: Debbie Kapohe and Liam Wooding gave us a stunning concert at the Sarjeant two Sundays ago. The elation we all felt with the combination of Debbie's glorious voice and Liam's piano artistry, was defused somewhat when Raewynne Johnson announced that Debbie was stepping down from her city post as Arts Co-ordinator. Though the further pursuit of her career as a singer was the more than understandable reason, Debbie has done so much for the Arts Community in Whanganui that she will be deeply missed. Her delicate frame, radiant smile and gracious manner bring pleasure to all who meet her, but from this very lovely but tiny woman comes a voice that never ceases to amaze and thrill her audiences. Visual and performing artists in Whanganui and its surroundings have benefited from all the listening, consultation, advice and practical help that she has given to us. There is a new Arts Policy on its way to fruition, there is a feeling of co-operation between the various studios, theatres and Maori artists. Whanganui is more aware of the creative talent that we have here and the Council, especially, are backing artistic development. Arohanui, Debbie. We shall share the pride of your future acclaim.
MIKE: Karin Strachan's series Avoiding the Subject forms part of Cast and Plastered at the Rayner Gallery. It consists of four figures, repeated in various media - wax, plaster, resin, builders' foam - then painted in different colours. On each of the objects there is a tiny rabbit lurking somewhere, a reference to the book of the same name as this series by Justin Clemens, which claims that the rabbit is a "symbol in popular culture that leads us into a porthole ... often of madness".( If this sounds vague and confused, it's because I was!). The figures themselves were skilfully fashioned, interesting and attractive. Four plaster horses, also by Karin, can be seen in the window, referencing the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. An informative, scholarly descriptor by Peter Ireland drew my attention to some details of the horses, with plaster missing in places and the wire skeleton visible, symbolising the "mortal vulnerability of these magnificent animals".
There is no problem in grasping Paul Rayner's works. The various "self portraits", each under the guise of a different personality, imbued his Toby Jugs with the recognition of a genuine, much-loved ceramic form, plus a feeling of hilarity. My favourite was definitely Paul as ET - or was it the other way round? The exhibition runs until June 27.
JOAN: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, the play I am to direct at Amdram in November has received a grant from Whanganui's Creative Communities Scheme which Debbie facilitated. I thank her and the Committee for this. I have never applied for a grant before and was thrilled to be considered alongside Amdram for financial support for this project. Theatrical productions, even done on a shoestring, are expensive, especially in the areas of rights and publicity. The team is grateful.
MIKE: The title of Sonny Barlow's display at Space, Floral Dis-Order, proved a rather ironic prediction on Friday evening. His video item, unfortunately, was not in working mode, and - even more unfortunately - all the lights suddenly went out. Taupo Quay was thrown into a Stygian gloom, and we were left - literally - in the dark. It was such a shame for Sonny, as well as Sarah Williams, and I do hope everything returned to normal prior to the official opening, for which I was unable to stay due to time constraints. In my single brief circuit of the room before disaster struck, I noticed the diamond-shaped frames, containing photographs of floral abundance and profusion, and was disappointed at not being able to view them in greater detail at closer quarters. I plan to return next week to accomplish this. Sonny's works will remain on the walls of Space till June 18.
JOAN: A trip to Palmerston North midweek offered three pleasing occasions. First, was a visit to the Zimmerman Contemporary Art Gallery where an eclectic group of paintings, ceramics and bronzes were very nicely displayed. Mia Hamilton's varied works were really interesting. She is well established and respected. Her ceramic bowls were most delicate, though large and their fragile aspect hid a practical feel. I enjoyed an example of her Daisy Blankets. Large simple flower designs are made from crocheted "danger tape" and are installed, for example, around the base of trees to stunning effect. However, what really intrigued me was her French Knitting. Silage(!) wraps are cleaned then knitted into an enormous scarf-like installation. Here they were wrapped around the reel that they had been created on but a photo showed them wrapped snugly around a tree.
We also viewed a varied and admirable series of artworks by the boys of PN Boys' High School. They were numerous and quite amazing in their level of achievement. It is great that boys now have the opportunity for such self-expression. A fine visual arts staff, methinks.
In the same building, at the corner of the Square, resides the Alliance Francaise. Two delightful jeunes Francaises greeted us there in their well equipped library. Here are books and magazines of all categories. For a small fee they are to be borrowed and French lessons are available. Vachement bien!
JOAN: The film Noble, playing at the Embassy, is both heart-warming and a good yarn. It is a true story, well-written and directed and extremely well acted. The fact that it narrates the true-life experiences of a remarkable woman, Christina Noble, invites you to share her courage. I invite you to see it.