River status inspired exhibition at Edith Gallery

Visiting artist Dani Henke with some of her work on show at the Edith Gallery.

Upon entering the room, you are surrounded by shadows.

The strategic lighting catches shapes and an array of texture.

To your left, you see a web of blue yarn cascading from hands that emerge from the wall.

The signage encourages you to make your own addition to the knotted, knitted mass.

In the centre of the room hang dozens of small sheep creatures, each with its own
expression and suspended over a cow pie or mud puddle.

Behind them, on the far wall, stretch a series of plastic covered objects that look a bit like cracked leather.

And, to your right, swim all manner of driftwood-tailed water spirits.

The show is the newest body of work by visiting American sculptor, Dani Henke, who was invited to the Edith gallery by UCOL lecturer, Leigh Anderton-Hall.

The show, Adaptations for Flight, is comprised of work that visually captures some of the surprises New Zealand sprang on Henke as she toured the islands and found a temporary home in Whanganui.

Henke addresses four themes; the impact of the agriculture industry, comments on tourism, the concept of ancestral fault, and the "life" within an inanimate object (inspired by the Whanganui River's status as a person).

Adaptations for Flight will be open for viewing at the Edith Gallery, 24 Taupo Quay, until 1pm today.