Cambridge Edition (19. October 2005)
Ideas flow in art exchange
By Fiona Adam
Like the river that flows through Cambridge so do the creative Juices of local and visiting artists.
The latest offering is the Five Artists from Two Countries - Wolfsburg meets Waikato exhibition at the town hall this week. Two New Zealand artists and three German artists involved in an annual artistic cultural exchange are showing work created here and overseas.
Well-known local artist, Lyn Murray had a chance meeting in her gallery several years ago with visiting German ceramic artist Elvira Herrmann and from this meeting of the minds and souls blossomed the Wolfsburg meets Waikato exhibition.
Last year Lyn visited Elvira's hometown of Wolfsburg, similar in size to Hamilton and headquarters of the Volkswagen motorcar Company. Lyn stayed in Burg Neuhaus (new house) compliments of the German Department of Culture that supports an artist´s enclave at this historic building built in 1372.
Lyn exhibited works that travelled over with her and pieces she created while staying in Germany at the first of the exhibitions last October called “Waikato meets Wolfsburg”.
Lyn is intrigued with the evolution in her work since visiting Wolfsburg. "My style has changed completely since being in Germany - my brush stroke, my mark and palette. Europe has a different more diffused light, it is brighter in New Zealand.
"Your work evolves all the time but this was a huge transition. I sensed the materials I used weren't going to allow me to do it (new style of work), I now use oil on canvas which is more buttery.
Exposure to other cultures and environments stretches and expands the five artists and although oral communication may be a barrier the language of art does not have such barriers.
Elvira said, "It is important to share ideas with art from different languages and countries in collaboration with other artists. It is a wonderful experience to work with clay from another country."
Visiting here with Elvira are Hella Ness, a silk and fibre artist and Ruthild Tillman, a sand and found natural material artist.
The other New Zealander is ex-Cambridge resident Raewyn Penrose a felt and fibre artist who visited Wolfsburg with Lyn last year.
The exchange involves different artists accompanying Elvira and Lyn on a year about visit between Cambridge and Wolfsburg.
What: Wolfsburg meets Waikato
When: Monday, October 24 to Friday, October 28 from 10 am daily
Where: Victoria Room, Cambridge Town Hall
Lyn Murray, RuthildTillman and Elvira Herrmann with a few of the pieces that will be on display at the Wolfsburg meets Waikato exhibition starting on Monday, October 24 at the town hall.