Those Nice Girls (exhibition)

The exhibition was enthusiastically received by all those in attendance. Artists and art lovers from Tauranga and further afield were treated to an exhibition that offered variety and some exceptional art.

 Attendees were greeted at the Gallery 59 foyer by two striking, thought provoking works by Simone Anderson. Simone's depiction of a Madonna with an African baby and another mixed media piece of a 'ladyboy' made for an enticing start.  It was great to see some slightly edgy art being exhibited in Tauranga.

The 'look' of the exhibition in the gallery space, attention to detail and the presentation of work around the 'Nice Girls' theme by Lynette and Don makes 'Nice Girls' the best , most professional looking, exhibition at Gallery 59 to date.

Nick Eggleston's watercolour 'The Girl With A Universe In Her Head'    2011.

Other artists on show include Lisa Christiansen, Graeme Crow, Sue Douglas, Suzanne Smith, Jamie Harkins, Peter Cramond, Janice Giles, Rob McGregor, Skye Carson-Wilson and many other notables. There are also two inspiring Peter Cramond sculptures to be seen.

I would like to have seen a Roy Lichtenstein girl painted by local graffiti writer Ras.1. in the gallery window facing out onto the street. A bold, high impact image like this would have signalled the wealth of offerings to be found inside.

I left the opening feeling greatly encouraged by the quality of the work on display. Exhibitions like this help keep our city alive and make it an interesting place to live in. 'Nice Girls' showcases the extraordinary artistic talent we have living amongst us.

'Blind Love' by Janice Giles.  Acrylic on canvas 2011.

Don't miss this wonderful, sometimes challenging exhibition that will be on show throughout May and June. It should be noted that some of the artworks on show depict nudity.

Gallery 59 is on 9^th Avenue off Cameron Road and is open Monday to Friday and on Saturday mornings. 

For more information contact Lynette and Don at gallery59@prestigeframing.co.nz

 by Pete Morris (May, 2012)

Pete Morris is an occasional painter and an art lover. He is a free-lance writer who has a particular interest in promoting the visual arts in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty.