Page Blackie Gallery co-director James Blackie says the work of painter Max Gimblett is 'gob-smackingly powerful'. His work is currently arriving in crates from New York for an exhibition at the gallery, which Gimblett will be opening with a floor talk on May 27.

Gimblett has been based in New York since 1972 and his work will be included in a group exhibition in January at the Guggenheim Museum in New York on American Art and the East.

"Max has set the bar for New Zealand art. It's the first time a New Zealander has been asked to exhibit in the Guggenheim so it's another step in opening the international art world's eyes to New Zealand art. When you look around international art fairs, you realise New Zealand art stands up but is yet to be really recognised. Max is taking a huge step and we are exceptionally proud."Page Blackie Gallery co-director James Blackie says the work of painter Max Gimblett is 'gob-smackingly powerful'. His work is currently arriving in crates from New York for an exhibition at the gallery, which Gimblett will be opening with a floor talk on May 27.

Gimblett has been based in New York since 1972 and his work will be included in a group exhibition in January at the Guggenheim Museum in New York on American Art and the East.

"Max has set the bar for New Zealand art. It's the first time a New Zealander has been asked to exhibit in the Guggenheim so it's another step in opening the international art world's eyes to New Zealand art. When you look around international art fairs, you realise New Zealand art stands up but is yet to be really recognised. Max is taking a huge step and we are exceptionally proud."During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
Usually about 8am during the drive in to work in the morning.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
Being able to allow the public to fall in love with a work of art and letting them make it a permanent part of their lives.

How does your environment affect your work?
Being surrounded on a daily basis by the work of some of the finest artists in the country, particularly those who practice internationally, keeps me on the ball.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
The big picture. I'm crap with detail.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
Think of the business as constantly evolving.

Who or what has inspired you recently?
The work of painter Max Gimblett which is currently arriving in crates from New York is gob-smackingly powerful. We have a show of his paintings opening on 27 May at the gallery. It's his first show with us and he will be over from New York to give a floor-talk at our opening. He's recently been invited to exhibit in a major exhibition at the Solomon Guggenheim Museum in New York so it's a very exciting time.

What do you think the success of a grand master painter like Max Gimblett offers the New Zealand scene?
To be asked to exhibit in the Guggenheim alongside some the American greats like Rauschenberg, Motherwell and Frankenthaler, Max has set the bar for New Zealand art. It's the first time a New Zealander has been asked to exhibit in the Guggenheim so it's another step in opening the international art world's eyes to New Zealand art. When you look around international art fairs, you realise New Zealand art stands up but is yet to be really recognised. Max is taking a huge step and we are exceptionally proud.

You are rather young to be in the dealer gallery business, what attracted you to the field?
Art. After travel and coming home with no direction, it was rather strongly suggested I should get a degree. In anything. So I did. Once I started studying art history I kept at it until doing an art gallery mail-out once a month as a student turned into something more serious. Being paid for my hobby and passion had obvious appeal. It's a dream come true.

Do you have any advice for artists who are keen to get picked up by a dealer gallery?
If they're coming out of art school, they should consider their approach to a dealer space as handing in an assignment to their most demanding tutor from their uni days and viewing that approach being as well-planned and serious as a job interview. The number of crumpled invitations to graduate shows I've received in the hope someone will be handed a solo exhibition is quite crazy.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
The WINZ office.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
In a car, full volume, at night. Easier to turn a high note into a yawn when you notice someone is watching.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
My dog salivate.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
An Ashram in the south of India claimed they had the best stress relief, but it took two weeks and I could think of quicker ways.

What's great about today?
The heater at my feet.

What's your big idea for 2008?
Mastering alchemy by June.

Max Gimblett returns to Wellington for Everlastingness show

Max Gimblett gifts work to Auckland Art Gallery Foundation

22/05/08