Studying each other’s relative merits and shortcomings has been a mutually satisfying occupation for Aussies and Kiwis for nigh on two centuries. Of course, things get really juicy at international sporting fixtures and this weekend’s Cricket World Cup will be another test case. Will the Aussies grind us down with their characteristically brash sledging technique or will low key Kiwi doggedness win the day, sending Aussie back to the changing rooms, tail between his legs?
The analysis of our respective national psyches goes way beyond the pub and the living room. Recently Australia-based expatriate marketing consultant Bella Katz observed in one of our papers some winning qualities of top New Zealand brands operating in Australia, chief among them perseverance, strategic thinking and our ability to “get in under the radar and chip away”. This in contrast to Australian companies whose “bark was often louder than their bite”. However she recognised Aussie “ruthlessness” could go a long way in business and harnessing both in one company – shock, horror, working together on an equal footing - might just be the perfect formula.
‘Near Neighbours’ is an exhibition of printmaking by artists from Australia and New Zealand, and these issues are on the agenda for some. Australian artist Michael Kempson has soft toy koala, kangaroo and kiwi facing off across the page. He describes how he became more interested in the contents of the gift shop while on a residency at Taronga Zoo, than with the live animals. He quickly worked out that most of the items were made in China, and a large panda represents the powerful new kid on the block.
New Zealander Jo Ogier depicts four Australian species that have come here either accidentally or by a deliberate policy, and have thrived often to the detriment of our native flora and fauna. Catherine Macdonald’s subtle drypoints imagine the lives of the ‘strangers’ with whom we share our streets, built up from snatches of conversations and random encounters.
Interestingly, six of the 10 artists have used animal and bird imagery to explore these ideas, almost as if the issues are too hard to tackle any other way. The catalogue likens our relations to classroom tussles and us as “playmates” who have to find a way to get on, suggesting there is an infantile side to obsessing over national differences.
Rona Green is interested in how we convey identity through physical appearances including tattoos, as in her hand coloured lino cut ‘Curl’.
Vincent Drane, co-director of Solander Gallery which organized the ‘Near Neighbours’ exhibition, demonstrated relief and intaglio printing at Aratoi last weekend.
Tauherenikau artist Zelda Bruce achieved her aim of raising the equivalent of an emergency Life Flight, at the recent art auction that coincided with her January exhibition ‘Mosaics and Workshops’ at Aratoi Her giant New Leaf Urn sold via Trade Me to Gay O’Sullivan for $2000, and it has just been installed in her Wellington home. “Gay lives in an old building which had to be renovated to make it earthquake safe and during this, some of its small tiles were lost,” says Zelda. “She likes the fact that the Urn has something of the old, but also represents the new.” Bruce is based at Yebo Art Studio, Tauherenikau.
Currently at Aratoi: 'Near Neighbours’, 'John McLean - A Gathering’ and 'Hong Kong Song' - Photographs by Madeleine Slavick, all until 10 May. Kiri Riwai-Couch: Mana Portraits. Nau mai haere mai!, an online gallery running until 1 March; ; Event: Artist talk by John McLean, Sat 14 Feb, 11am-12pm.