Ohakune's art 'a lively display'

Ruapehu Bulletin, 8 September 1992, Page 3

Ohakune's art 'a lively display'

A very lively, provocative display makes up the 1992 annual Ohakune Art Awards now on display at the Ohakune Primary School. That description came from judge Peter Coates when he spoke to those gathered at the preview

evening on Sunday night. He said there were as many styles represented as there were artists, and that more than a third of the exhibition's paintings would sit well in the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts' recent exhibition in Wellington. "Your exhibition is a vital part of a network through the country," said Mr Coates. "It gives an opportunity for artists to show their work and for it to be judged - this is vital particularly for young artists and the nervoiis, new artists." He said he was impressed with the portraiture works presented; was a little disappointed in the number of youth entries; and that many of the landscape paintings "followed well trodden paths".

With numbers of entries down, he suggested the inclusion of a new section, perhaps photography, in future shows. In explaining his choices for prizes, he said they were the works that had the greatest impact on him personally. "It has been said there is no such thing as bad art - just boring art" He said he chose works which posed questions and demanded attention - that were an act of discovery for the viewer and led to debate and pondering. He said this was good advice for buying art too, to avoid buying paintings that soon "merged into the wallpaper". "Art is not like sport were there is a clear winner and loser." Prize winners were"

Premier, Artist's Imagination by Andre Noffz of Wairakei; Open class, After Durer by Jane Mitchell of Waverley;

Midnight Dancers by Des Robertson of Havelock Northj jD/eami' of Home by Stephen Templer; District Award was won

by Dennis Friar of Ohakune; the Young Artists Bames Award was won by Waikaramihi Hines of Palmerston

North with Ngauruhoe from Home-, The life study award was won by Ronald Pekamu of Taihape with Bulldog.