By Sharlene van Leeuwen

What stands the Gisborne Women's Art Exhibition apart - dare I say even above - others.

The obvious answer is the artworks - created solely by female artists. Amongst the over 300 pieces were the usual collection of media, all shapes and sizes from a tiny glass eye quietly observing from a corner, to a larger than life tree - its foliage almost overhanging the entrance, but the combined 'vibe' was definitely feminine. By Sharlene van Leeuwen

What stands the Gisborne Women's Art Exhibition apart - dare I say even above - others.

The obvious answer is the artworks - created solely by female artists. Amongst the over 300 pieces were the usual collection of media, all shapes and sizes from a tiny glass eye quietly observing from a corner, to a larger than life tree - its foliage almost overhanging the entrance, but the combined 'vibe' was definitely feminine.The screened and selected artworks spoke quality and during opening night sold stickers were quick to take their place amongst the exhibits.

Man on horse was perhaps the butch amongst ethereal brides and a breast feeding mother, but the subject matter was not shy on substantial issues such as culture, history, philosophy - and raunchy nudes looked as much the part as a giant purple scabiosa.

Into its sixth year the month long events growing success is due to its 'exclusive to women' theme says coordinator Sheree McLeod. An art dabbler herself Sheree believes it is the only female exhibition and competition of its kind in the country.

"This year the exhibition was enhanced by a new venue. The Poverty Bay Club is a work of art in itself and rich in history, which has created a huge amount of interest, it's a pretty spectacular building and of course the irony of it all is that it was once an exclusive gentlemen's only club in its heyday - women were not allowed."

"Women bring a different perspective to art particularly, and that is even more noticeable when you bring them all together in one place," says Tourism Eastland CEO Graham Breckell. "It's had a huge appeal, women seem to like and relate to female artists - it has that reaching out to other women thing." That said - male visitors (and artists) were not thin amongst visitor numbers.

Two local judges, Tairawhiti Museum curator Jolene Douglas and local artist Graeme Mudge were joined by Whitecliffe Art School curator and lecturer Giles Peterson.

"Women's art is totally different to that of a male artist," says Jolene. "Women paint from their emotions. The subjects they choose are different, their art is more about life, the essence of being woman. They come from a different place, but the interesting thing was that the two male judges and I all liked the same pieces."

She says the supreme winner 'Life Under Mum's Feet' by Taren Wood was "meticulous, quite surreal with a strong message. I enjoyed the exhibition, but you know a men's only art exhibition wouldn't bother me - that would be interesting to see."

Results: Supreme Award - Life Under Mum's Feet by Taren Wood, Masterton.
Paint - Life Under Mum's Feet by Taren Wood, Masterton.
Mixed Media - Matariki Atua Series by Taryn Beri, Gisborne.
Maori - Hine Koki by Bernice Williams, Gisborne.
Sculpture - Taha, Tahi, One by Lina Marsh, Gisborne.
Highly commended: Carol Montgomery, paint. Mandy Emerson, mixed media; Chloe King, sculpture; Janie Nott, colour; Corrine Lidgard, Maori.

REFLECTIONS - Louise Fong was one of hundreds who enjoyed Gisborne's Women's Work Art Exhibition opening evening. Here she reflects on 'A Dim Reflection,' by Beverly Claridge. Photo Gisborne Herald.

Awards for the 2008 Woman's Work art exhibition/competition (WAX)

The Bronwyn Kay Agency Supreme Award: Taren Wood, Masterton. Life Under Mum's Feet # 2.

The Professor Jack Richards Category Awards:
Paint Category: Taren Wood-Masterton. "Life under Mum's Feet"
Mixed Medium: Taryn Beri, Gisborne "Matariki Atua Series"
Sculpture: Lina Marsh, Gisborne. "Taha, Tahi, One"

The Stoneyhill Studio & Press Maori art Award: Bernise Williams, Gisborne "Hine Koki"

The Resene NZ Colour award: Dagmar Andres-Dahmen - Auckland

Highly Commended: Carol Montgomery (PAINT), Mandy Emerson (Mixed Medium) Chloe King (Sculpture) Janie Nott (Colour) Corrine Lidgard (Maori)

The Peoples Choice Award will continue throughout the 1st two weeks of the exhibition and the winner announced at the auction scheduled to take place Oct 25th.

Judges for the event were:
Giles Peterson- Lecturer & Curator, Auckland
Jolene Douglas: Curator, Artist , Gisborne
Graham Mudge: Tutorer & artist, Gisborne

WAX - Women's Work Art Exhibition, Gisborne Poverty Bay Club
October 1 - 31

07/10/08