From Tree-Trunk to Table - Tree felling in an art gallery

UK designers Alex Rich and Michael Marriott will visit New Zealand in March courtesy of The British Council. Both are known for their DIY aesthetic and politics, often using found or recycled items. From Tree-Trunk to Table - Tree felling in an art gallery

UK designers Alex Rich and Michael Marriott will visit New Zealand in March courtesy of The British Council. Both are known for their DIY aesthetic and politics, often using found or recycled items.The designers will be in Auckland from March 13 at UNITEC and AUT, and in Wellington from March 25 at Massey.

In New Zealand they are installing a 16.8m radiata pine at St Paul Street Gallery, and developing works from this piece.

Michael Marriott says "It's our first visit to New Zealand and we fell quickly to the World Wide Web and discovered that logging is one of the three biggest industries".

"We're interested in the connection between industry and design and in reaching out to a wider audience than just furniture and graphic designers, so this is a perfect theme for us".

Designers' talks, and public sessions in both Auckland and Wellington, will give an insight into Marriott and Rich's creative process. Public exhibitions are also scheduled at St Paul Street Gallery, Auckland, and at Massey University,Wellington.

In both centres, students and the wider design community will get the chance to interact with the two designers, both of whom are also accomplished teachers. Heather Galbraith, Senior Curator, City Gallery, Wellington, originated this exhibition idea. She says "These two are generous collaborators and inspirational individual practitioners while still sharing a real modesty about what they do".

Anna Cameron, Arts and Creative Industries Manager at British Council says "I'm looking forward to seeing what happens when these two hit town. This project is kooky and I've had a lot of fun dealing with Michael and Alex - they are very exciting designers who will bring new perspectives on a rich and diverse New Zealand design scene".

Confirmed Dates

13-23 March, Residency, School of Design, UNITEC, Auckland
23 March, 5.30pm Exhibition opens at St Paul Street Gallery, AUT, Auckland. Public Event.
24 March, 12pm Designers Talk at St Paul Street Gallery, AUT, Auckland
26 March, 2pm, Public Talk, City Gallery, Wellington
27-31 March, Residency coordinated by Litmus, Massey University, Wellington
31 March, Public Event, Massey University Wellington

www.britishcouncil.org.nz