ARTPOST #33

Ayesha Green
I thought I heard you crying in the forest 2020
Acrylic on canvas, Collection of Dunedin Public Art Gallery
 
This week, we are excited to announce the acquisition of the painting I thought I heard you crying in the forest by Ayesha Green (Ngāti Kahungunu, Kāi Tahu) – a work described in the latest copy of Art New Zealand as ‘eerily beautiful; a salute…to the richness and diversity of the New Zealand bush but also made into a haunting allegory.’  Part of Green’s exhibition Wrapped up in Clouds (on until November 29), this work recreates a group of 100 shrubs and climbing plants painted by botanical artist Audrey Eagle for a 1978 publication. Green has removed the final entry, destabilising the order of the original set and creating a space to talk about moments when languages, world views and ways of understanding information collide.
 
This will be the first work by Green to enter the collection of Dunedin Public Art Gallery, to be enjoyed for years to come as a leading voice of her generation.

On Saturday 21 November at 11am join Ayesha Green and fellow artists Aroha Novak, Metiria Turei, Bridget Reweti and Vicki Lenihan as they discuss works from our newly opened exhibition RALPH HOTERE: ĀTETE [to resist].

Noho ora mai, Lucy Hammonds
Curator, Dunedin Public Art Gallery

View a short film clip about I thought I heard you crying in the forest by Ayesha Green - click here or the image below...