Strange Effigy at Satellite Gallery in Auckland is Andrew Blythe's first major solo show and provides a window into this poetic artist's world.

Andrew Blythe is a gifted self-taught artist whose arresting, rhythmic paintings possess a raw and deeply moving beauty. Strange Effigy at Satellite Gallery in Auckland is Andrew Blythe's first major solo show and provides a window into this poetic artist's world.

Andrew Blythe is a gifted self-taught artist whose arresting, rhythmic paintings possess a raw and deeply moving beauty.A turbulent adolescence saw Andrew in and out of hospital and living hard in Auckland. During this time he would draw with pencil and Indian ink, as a cathartic expression of his experiences and depiction of the downtrodden side of life.

Andrew is not inclined to label or title his paintings, but rather for them to be seen as an ongoing dialogue of "free expression and abstract figurative composition, to be enjoyed.. - .I am an empty vessel when I paint".

At the 2007 New York Outsider Art Fair, Stuart Shepherd introduced Andrew's work to the Phyllis Kind Gallery, who subsequently offered to represent him. Phyllis Kind is a legendary New York art dealer and a trustee of the American Folk Art Museum.

Shepherd states
" - for such an authority to recognize the value of Andrew's work must be seen as a wonderful success for Andrew. It also declares to the wider community that Andrew Blythe deserves respect as a contemporary New Zealand artist of international standing".

Painting and drawing since childhood, artists such as Ernst, Dali, Duchamp and Rauschenberg made an early impression on Andrew, as did the works of New Zealand artists such as Clairmont and Fomison.

Since 2000 his passion for painting has been supported by Toi Ora Live Art Trust, a community arts centre providing studio space and tuition for people who have experienced mental illness. Andrew has been exhibiting his works over the last six years.

Andrew Blythe | Strange Effigy | 13 - 24 August | www.toiora.org.nz
Opening: Tuesday 12th Aug 5.30 - 7pm at Satellite Gallery | 307 6416 | Cnr St Benedicts st & Newton Rd (Entrance St Benedicts St)

07/08/08