Walters Prize finalist John Reynolds is holding a floor talk at the Hawke's Bay Museum and Art Gallery next Saturday as part of his site-specific installation and exhibition Speaking Truth to Power which playfully explores New Zealand intellectual life.

The series of works were originally created to provide illustrations for Laurence Simmons' book Speaking Truth to Power: Public Intellectuals Rethink New Zealand and were exhibited in 2007 at Auckland's Gus Fisher Gallery. Walters Prize finalist John Reynolds is holding a floor talk at the Hawke's Bay Museum and Art Gallery next Saturday as part of his site-specific installation and exhibition Speaking Truth to Power which playfully explores New Zealand intellectual life.

The series of works were originally created to provide illustrations for Laurence Simmons' book Speaking Truth to Power: Public Intellectuals Rethink New Zealand and were exhibited in 2007 at Auckland's Gus Fisher Gallery.John Reynolds work Cloud, shown at the 2006 Sydney Biennale, was recently selected as one of four finalists for the Walters Prize - one of New Zealand's most prestigious contemporary art awards.

The $50,000 Walters prize is modelled on the Tate Britain's Turner Prize, and is awarded biannually for an outstanding contribution to contemporary art in New Zealand over the past two years.

Reynolds' Speaking Truth to Power exhibition provides a great opportunity for Hawke's Bay residents to visit HBMAG and experience the work of one of New Zealand's leading contemporary artists.

The public will also have the chance to talk with Reynolds directly when he holds a floor talk in the gallery on Saturday 31st May at 11.00am. Entry to the talk is free.

Other associated events include a documentary screening - Questions for Mr Reynolds at the Century Theatre on Tuesday 22nd July, 6pm.

This is a feature length documentary about the artist John Reynolds. It costs $7 which includes free entry to view the exhibition before the film.

And a lively debate on the topic 'Does the Hawke's Bay Need Intellectuals?' at the Century Theatre on Saturday
9th August, 7.30pm. Bookings essential phone 06 835 7781.

Speaking Truth to Power

An exhibition by John Reynolds
May 21 - September 14
Hawke's Bay Museum & Art Gallery
9 Herschell Street, Napier
Ph: (06) 835 9245

Image: Knowledge Economy, John Reynolds, 2006

Related story: Walters Prize finalists announced

21/05/08