Exhibition celebrates latest phase of Art on Campus project

Otago Polytechnic is set to stage an art exhibition showcasing the latest phase of its Art on Campus project.

Opening on 13 February, Now See Here! features works by Dunedin School of Art honours student Jenny Hjertquist, whose Four Rivers (2019, concrete and mixed media) is the inaugural commission for Otago Polytechnic’s “Four Plinths” project.

Rebecca Hamid, convenor of the Otago Polytechnic Art on Campus Steering Group, says Art on Campus aims to enhance Otago Polytechnic’s cultural presence in Dunedin and continues to build the strong reputation of the Dunedin School of Art.

Sited in the courtyard at the rear of the Hub, “Four Plinths” will feature revolving exhibits of student and staff sculpture projects.

“Concrete tablets will sit upon two of the plinths,” Jenny Hjertquist explains.

“These will have small sculptural engraved landscapes and scenes, i.e. ocean waves, mountains, human interaction, rituals in everyday life.

“The other two plinths will have two mythological-inspired dogs with three faces, which will act as protectors or watchers.”

Now See Here! also features works by Tori Clearwater and Liam Hoffman who, along with Jenny, are either finalists or recipients of the Wallace Warburton Scholarship, an annual scholarship awarded to the most promising Dunedin School of Art graduate for that year.

Significantly, the exhibition includes sculptures by Dunedin School of Art Senior Lecturer Scott Eady who, along with Rebecca Hamid, has been instrumental in establishing the Wallace Warburton Scholarship.

Arts patrons Sir James Wallace and Jan Warburton’s generous support includes a solo exhibition at the Pah Homestead in Auckland, contributions towards materials, production costs, freight and travel, an exhibition opening and publicity, as well as the exhibition space for 6-8 weeks.

The scholarship was created to promote graduates who are embarking on a career as a professional artist and, consequentially, need an introduction to the Auckland art market. An exhibition at the Pah Homestead brings with it an opportunity to meet dealer gallery professionals and potentially being represented by a commercial gallery.

“It is really important that we somehow provide our graduating students with opportunities for exposure in Auckland. This is one reason Rebecca Hamid and I worked hard to establish the Wallace Warburton Scholarship,” Scott Eady says.

“Sir James Wallace and Jan Warburton’s generosity is providing a foot-in-the-door for a fortunate few graduating students from the Dunedin School of Art at Otago Polytechnic.”

Scott’s work is featured in the Wallace collection at the Pah Homestead, and Jan Warburton also has a large collection of works by Scott.

Otago Polytechnic’s Art on Campus plan includes the installation last year of celebrated New Zealand artist Michel Tuffery’s Nga Kete sculpture at the Forth St entrance of Otago Polytechnic.

Now See Here! officially opens at Otago Polytechnic on Wednesday 13 February at 5.45pm.