What happens if an artist moves away from the plain walls of a gallery and instead exhibits the art in a public place? 

What happens if an artist moves away from the plain walls of a gallery and instead exhibits the art in a public place? 

Alison Laird has done just that.  Instead of using a traditional gallery for her photographic installation, she is using the trees of the Nikau Reserve as walls to hang the art. (Note: no damage will be done to the trees) With over 190 artworks, the whole of the loop walk at the Nikau Reserve, Paraparaumu, is transformed into a work of art.

If art is placed in a space outside the gallery, the space it occupies becomes an intrinsic part of the context of the work, creating a more powerful, interactive experience for the audience.  In order to view the work the audience will be invited to walk through the trees along the tarmac track.

Alison Laird has been an artist on the Kapiti  Coast for seven years and in that time has exhibited in The Museum of Wellington, The Mahara Gallery, Pakaka Gallery, Cobalt Gallery, Artel, Lush and has exhibited frequently at different venues on the Kapiti Coast Arts Trail.

This exhibition is supported by the Kapiti Coast District Council.

The Nikau Reserve is accessed from SH1, take the exit to Lindale, turn right at the roundabout, take first left just under the bridge.  There is parking in front of the entrance to the reserve. 

Entry is free.

Name Of Exhibition:             Tree Talking

Name of Artist:                        Alison Laird

Venue:                                     Nikau Reserve loop walk

Date of Exhibition:                 22 May 2010 – 30 May

Opening:                                     22 May 2010 at 2.00pm