Foreland is a road trip through the Coromandel into an underworld. Disintegration of our own inhabitation is the main sightseeing. Throughout the region, a coded world concealed between man-made materials and nature is suggested through a collaboration of colours, tones and forms. Motifs are mapped out and ordinary objects appear as clues directing us towards other messages and grander themes.Foreland is a road trip through the Coromandel into an underworld. Disintegration of our own inhabitation is the main sightseeing. Throughout the region, a coded world concealed between man-made materials and nature is suggested through a collaboration of colours, tones and forms. Motifs are mapped out and ordinary objects appear as clues directing us towards other messages and grander themes.There is beauty in the Coromandel and also in its decay. While human presence on the peninsula is at times considered overbearing, Foreland underscores our impermanence. While natural elements flourish, neglected buildings breakdown and discarded transport decomposes. Evidence of recreation from long forgotten summers fades. The imposition of our borders and boundaries frays at the edges. Signposts dissent to exclaim new directions, while art takes on ulterior meanings and everyday symbols become symbolic of new ideas.

Time is contemplated within Foreland; as the fourth dimension, as an undermining force, as nature's collaborator. Split second exposures reflect moments in decades. The split second violence of shotguns is explicit, echoing the implicit brutality of the region and the violence of our inhabitation. As part of nature we share nature's regenerative possibilities but also its self-destructive ones.

Characteristics of the Coromandel as a peninsula are studied - as are its specific features, natural or otherwise - often through symbolic representation. The uniqueness of the area is explored without implying conclusions.

Foreland reveals a slice of New Zealand that is iconic without the cliches of Kiwiana. The region is regarded not only as a place to work and play but also as a place to imagine, loathe, journey, create, mourn and not least, love.

A variety of photographic techniques and materials support the variety of forms and textures essential to Foreland. At times only the two dimensions of reduced graphic-like images are engaged with subtle allusions to the third dimension. Simple concepts of formats are exploited; a set of rectangular panels, and series of squares, connect and enhance the various forms and motifs that play within the narratives of the exhibition.

Foreland represents a Coromandel odyssey of three years for photographer Stuart Broughton. The exhibition consists of 28 separate works. Large abstracted landscapes blend amongst visceral close ups and smaller pop art-like concepts shout with urgency. All images are candid, observing the region 'as found'.

Foreland is Stuart Broughton's second exhibition and on this occasion a local theme is presented. His first, 'Transit' (2006), centred on global travel and featured the highly regarded work 'Boatman'. Stuart Broughton's images have been variously described as haunting, evocative and theatrical. With Foreland the images are inscribed with irreverence and wit, resonate with light and optimism, and celebrate the Coromandel - and life - intensely.

Black Asterisk Gallery
170a Jervois Rd, Herne Bay
Showing all February
Preview party: Saturday January 31, 6pm
All enquiries and RSVP for preview, contact Big Loud Bang Ltd

28/01/09