Suite 20/21: Part 2

In 2014 Dunedin Public Art Gallery established an exhibition series focused on changing aspects of contemporary art in Ōtepoti Dunedin. Ranging from group exhibitions through to new artist projects, this biennial series has continued to evolve and change over time. The unique circumstances of the past year created an opportunity for innovation, resulting in a two-part exhibition series Suite 20/21. Part One, Ayesha Green’s exhibition Wrapped up in Clouds, was presented in late 2020. Suite 20/21: Part Two brings together new exhibitions from four contemporary artists, Octavia Cook, Alexandra Kennedy, Ed Ritchie, and Justin Spiers. Together the five artists in this exhibition series represent a range of contemporary practices that have contributed to the creative landscape of Ōtepoti over the past two years. 

Each of the artists in Suite 20/21: Part Two has a distinct and independent art practice. Alexandra Kennedy uses her practice to critically engage with painting histories and processes. Octavia Cook’s S.H.A.L.L.O.W series revises the Victorian tradition of ‘Regard’ acrostic jewellery, calling attention to contemporary ideas surrounding beauty and value. In The Kingdom, Justin Spiers brings together a wide-angle view of one of his central concerns as a photographer – the interactions between humans and animals – while Ed Ritchie creates a site-specific response to the gallery architecture, considering the conceptual boundaries between in- and outdoor environments. 

View the exhibition labels – click here

A DPAG Biennial Contemporary Dunedin Programme

Exhibition partner