VON HEO (From Her)

by Paula Taaffe

Date: May 16 – May 29Space: Small Gallery

The subject matter of these works has evolved as a response to the unnerving rate of technological change, a celebration of identity politics and finally a contemplation of Still Life as allegory.

Von Heo translates from Auld English to “From Her.” ‘Heo’ is also the Chinese word for pig.

Perhaps this became an opening of ‘Her’ cabinet of curiosities. A moment to pause, with subject matter that stayed still. The Still Lifes are composed of items procured form around New Zealand, Paula calls this Op-shopping ‘the economy of joy’. It is community, sustainability and inter-relational. As the various piles of objects grow, themes emerge and – like an unruly gang of actors – each object clamours for a role.

Paula says her intentions do not really matter if the process has engaged the viewer into another creative act. A scene is set but the viewer’s own narrative completes it. Make the story, spill the tea.

Paula Taaffe graduated from Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland, with the New Zealand Fellowship of Artists Award. Subsequently, she lived and worked in Canada and the United States exhibiting, teaching and as a free-lance illustrator. Her creative practice has ranged from Photography, Animation, and Sculpture although currently she revisits her original major of Paint.

Opening night Friday 16th May 5-7pm.