In the past, Piera McArthur's distinct series all explored humanity at large, using historical, sometimes mythological characters in playfully incriminating narratives.

The audience was thus exposed to Lady Godiva mounted on a talking horse galloping nude down the streets of Coventry; Bishop Pompallier examining six ways of crossing a swamp while keeping Episcopal slippers dry and finally, Marsden marshalling a herd of cows into order by waving at them with a cross.In the past, Piera McArthur's distinct series all explored humanity at large, using historical, sometimes mythological characters in playfully incriminating narratives.

The audience was thus exposed to Lady Godiva mounted on a talking horse galloping nude down the streets of Coventry; Bishop Pompallier examining six ways of crossing a swamp while keeping Episcopal slippers dry and finally, Marsden marshalling a herd of cows into order by waving at them with a cross.McArthur's latest exhibition 'This is... Piera McArthur' opening at SOCA gallery, 74 France street, Newton on 18th November looks back at some of the artist's seminal works, favourite characters and narratives explored in the course of her long established career. With a major shift from Hawkes Bay to Wellington this year, the artist has conceived this exhibition as a reminiscing journey consisting of new works as well as selected works from previous exhibitions.

'With today's rein of conceptual art, to find an artist who focuses intensely upon the use of materials and the examination of painting itself, is to find a one of a kind figure within the contemporary New Zealand art scene.' says Rosalind Middleton, independent art writer and curator.

It is her recognisable and original style, contained in the expressive application of paint and the scrupulous economy of line, interpreting a person's essence in four confident strokes, that has earned Piera McArthur enormous respect and passionately loyal audiences.

Her paintings are as always exemplary of the artist's extraordinary confidence in line and colour, as they are typical of her humorous approach to subject-matter.

Piera McArthur has spent much of her life overseas following her husband in his diplomatic career, until they returned to New Zealand permanently over 15 years ago.

Described in her own words, her life has been an 'endless parade of people, performance, representation' - which explains the subjects of her paintings that New Zealand audiences have grown to know and passionately collect for almost three decades.

Piera McArthur exhibition opens at SOCA gallery, 74 France Street, Newton on Tuesday, 18th November from 6pm-8pm.

For more information or to obtain high resolution images please contact the gallery on 529 0533 or visit www.soca.co.nz

19/11/08

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