Reboot: The Jim Barr and Mary Barr Collection
Reboot: The Jim Barr and Mary Barr Collection
23 February – 15 June 2008
http://www.youtube.com/citygallerywgtn
Michael Parekowhai, Cosmo, 2006. Collection of Jim Barr and Mary Barr. Courtesy of the artist, Michael Lett, Auckland and Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sydney.
The Barr’s collection returns to the City Gallery revitalised with all the energy and freshness of five years further collecting. Once again curated by Justin Paton, Reboot: The Jim Barr and Mary Barr Collection is the sequel to Dunedin Public Art Gallery’s 2001 Good Work, and offers a rare opportunity to view the evolution of one of New Zealand’s most significant private contemporary art collections. A vibrant feature of the City Gallery’s International Festival of the Arts programme, the collection comprises what was initially a long term loan by the Barrs of more than 120 works to Dunedin Public Art Gallery. Ten years on, these works are joined by a rich and idiosyncratic assortment of new acquisitions. The exhibition is conceived as the ‘reboot’ or revisualisation of the loan collection in terms of its recent purchases. It’s a ‘taking stock’ show, acknowledging this provocative collection as an evolving entity.
The colourful multimedia exhibition presents emerging and celebrated New Zealand artists alongside artists of international renown. Unexpected connections are made: Justin Paton presents works in suggestive groupings that maximise playfulness and pursue surprising affinities between artists of different generations and nationalities. Emerging artist Eileen Leung meets senior artist Richard Killeen in the section ‘Painting in Pieces’, while New Zealander Peter Robinson trades ideas with Italians Maurizio Cattelan, Massimiliano Gioni and Los Angeles based Ali Subotnick in ‘What It’s Worth’. Reboot also introduces headline international artists to New Zealand audiences including Paul McCarthy, Ricky Swallow, Martin Creed, Gillian Wearing, Laurence Weiner as well as Axel Stockburger’s and N.I.C.J.O.B.’s digital videos. Works by New Zealand artists living abroad, including Ronnie von Hout, Michael Stevenson and Francis Upritchard, also feature. The scope of the works is far-reaching, from videos through to wall paintings, sculpture to photographic work. Perhaps most recognisable is Cosmo, Michael Parekowhai’s giant inflated bunny, with its imposing, if comical presence.
Jim and Mary Barr are often quoted as saying collecting art is an activity that ought to be 'partisan, passionate and political'. A major collection is on constant rotation through their Wellington apartment. They continue to loan work extensively to galleries, toward the promotion of its public accessibility. Reboot: The Jim Barr and Mary Barr Collection has previously been exhibited at Dunedin Public Art Gallery (2006) and Christchurch Art Gallery (2007). A publication of the same name accompanies the exhibition, featuring a major essay by Justin Paton, interview with Jim and Mary Barr, and illustrations of works by Hany Armanious, Simon Denny, Mikala Dwyer, Glen Hayward, Ronnie van Hout, Michael Parekowhai, Peter Robinson, Ricky Swallow and many others.
Principal Sponsor: Ernst & Young. Reboot: The Jim Barr and Mary Barr Collection is a Dunedin Public Art Gallery touring exhibition.
