Recently I was invited to attend an artist event at ‘Blikfang Art & Antiques’ which is a hybrid gallery, shop and museum located in Northcote. The space is brimming with ‘Alice in Wonderland’ mirrors, captivating pieces of art by Rita Angus, June Black, Sheridan Keith, Gretl Barzotto and beautiful objects displayed in an intoxicating fashion.
The talented speakers included William Dart (Editor, Art New Zealand), Shonagh Koea (Author, ‘Landscape With Solitary Figure), Evan Woodruffe (Artist currently showing at OrexArt), Eve de Castro-Robinson (Composer of the Len Lye Opera) and Nina Seja (Art Historian, Author of Photoforum: Counterculture, Clusters and Debate in New Zealand). The MC was Michael Smythe: engaging and erudite. The standout for me was Shonagh Koea, who spoke off the cuff and read from her book with ease: enthralling the audience with her (human) storytelling. All the speakers were stimulating and informative with their content, leaving us all with a wealth of knowledge and delight. There was supper on hand afterwards, a glass of wine or sparkling water, colourful conversation and a room with a (majestic) view.