Urbanism 29 July 2008
Peter Stichbury’s First Public Exhibition
Peter Stichbury is a contemporary artist with a reputation for tackling topical societal issues that deal with the human body – plastic surgery, skin disorders and genetic engineering. Flung into the spotlight in the early ’00s, Stichbury is now a mainstay on the New Zealand art scene. The Alumni: Peter Stichbury surveys the highlights of his work to date, showcasing his paintings alongside painted sculptural works. On now until 21 September at Te Tuhi Centre for the Arts, 13 Reeves Road, Pakuranga, Manukau City.
>>Visit www.tetuhi.org.nz
Shane Cotton at the Melbourne Art Fair
Having recently finished his three-month residence at Artspace in Sydney, Shane Cotton will exhibit a newly developed suite of paintings and works on paper at the Melbourne Art Fair in association with Gow Langsford Gallery. A catalogue entitled Shane Cotton: The Extended Act of Looking complements the exhibition, including full colour reproductions of the works accompanied by an essay by Artspace Director Blair French. 30 July – 3 August 2008 at Gow Langsford Gallery, Stand C39, Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne.
>>Visit www.gowlangsfordgallery.co.nz
Cranium WOW!
Longtime crowd pleaser Cranium is back, and this time it’s bigger and badder than ever before. Alongside 600 new game cards, the Cranium movers have been given an overhaul and now come in twelve different characters that players can dress and accessorise. The game’s new look is inspired by ’70s vinyl culture and has recently won awards for its graphic design. Cranium is not a game for the faint hearted, and we here at Urbis have seen many a friendship destroyed over the ultra-competitive game, so caveat emptor! But if you and those around you can keep cool, there are hours of fun to be had by all.
Clooney Cures
In a combined effort to raise money for Cure Kids, Clooney has teamed up with Art + Object to host a special charity auction and dinner. Alongside a five course degustation dinner and wine match created by Clooney’s award winning chef, Des Harris, fifteen art pieces will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to Cure Kids. Featuring works from Katie Brown, Jill Sorensen, Virginia King and Zambesi, the food will be amazing and the art works aesthetically pleasing, so get in quick because tickets are selling out fast. 29 July at Clooney, Sale St, Auckland. Email Tony – tony@clooney.co.nz for ticket enquiries.
>>Visit www.clooney.co.nz
Romeo and Juliet Onstage
With their families locked in a bitter feud, Romeo and Juliet’s fate is doomed. While they will do anything to be together their families will do anything to keep them apart. The world’s most tragic tale of fleeting love and untimely death is back on the ballet stage with Royal New Zealand Ballet’s production of Romeo and Juliet. Nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award following its UK tour in 2004, this is a beautiful but heart wrenching production. On now until 24 August throughout New Zealand.
>>Visit www.nzballet.org.nz
Mahler’s 5th
Mahler said “a symphony should create a world”, and his Fifth Symphony, inspired by passionate romance and a near death experience takes listeners on an epic journey from despair to joy. The symphony is conducted by the young Ukrainian Kirill Karabits, who returns to Auckland after his lauded Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra debut in 2007. Prefacing the symphony is Bartók’s first piano concerto, played by Susanna Stefani-Caetani, whose electrifying performance of this work unleashes its pounding energy and eerie magnetism. August 7 at Auckland Town Hall.
>>Visit www.apo.co.nz
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