By sharing a beautiful studio space in the Stewart’s General Store in Bannockburn, two Central Otago artists have found a common theme and produced a shared exhibition for the Hullaballoo Art Space.
Kristin O’Sullivan Peren is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice responds to the extremities of land, language and light. She grew up in Rotorua, spending large periods of time in Central Otago, where she now lives. She has exhibited locally and internationally, in public spaces and contemporary galleries in Ireland, Australia and the UK.
Her last public show was participating in Auckland’s Botanical Gardens at Sculpture in the Gardens. Her large-scale sculpture titled S: like Paradise integrates a unique process pioneered by Kristin using LED lights and fibreglass.
Jennifer Hay has a background in Art History and curating. She is influenced by traditional craft technique and uses antique beads, up-cycled from discarded textiles to create contemporary beaded jewellery pieces that reference the past.
Kristin says, “The Stewart Store is our shared space, Our starting point is we are both makers, who respect each other’s art practices, and the studio is a place where we ‘make’. We are often not there together, as I travel to the studio and Jennifer is local, but when we are are there on those special occasions together, it’s magic.
As well as Jennifer’s artistic ability, her ability to extend, collaborate, stand in silent support, and engage in Critical Art theory, is priceless.”
Jennifer is a member of the Hullabaloo co-operative, and Kristin is an invited artist for this exhibition. The exhibition reflects on the nature of time and how discarded or abandoned objects and stories can retain an aura of beauty.
Jennifer’s new collection of adornments uses antique and vintage beads, referencing the past, and explores the boundary between contemporary fashion and art jewellery. Using French micro metal beads, handwoven or braided into neckpieces, lariats and earrings, Jennifer makes jewellery that is luxurious and a joy to wear.
Kristin’s mezzotints also evoke the passage of time through intricate and dedicated mark making. A series of photographs, Rubbishegium, chronicles her collection of rubbish and leftover detritus, transformed through the camera lens into a world of vivd colour and movement.
The viewer is transported back to the past, to reflect on the new life given to forgotten objects, and of the talent and mastery of the artists’ work. Most of all though, it is a delight to just enjoy the beauty and vibrancy of the exhibition.
Hullaballoo Art Space, Beauty Over Time, finishes 14 May
