A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE THINGS

Peter Peryer (New Zealand b,1941), Isabella, 2001, silver toned gelatin print.Collection of the Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui. Purchased, 2001.

A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE THINGS

24 December – 2 March 2014

The Sarjeant has a staff of sixteen full and part-time staff members who cumulatively have over a century of experience working at the Gallery. In light of this, when we were considering our final season of exhibitions, we thought that a gathering of works by the staff would be a fitting way to show the many strengths and diversity of the wonderful Collection that the Gallery cares for.

Each staff member was given a wall to work with and asked to choose a selection of works to furnish the space. For those who have been on staff for a longer period of time it has been a chance to bring up familiar friends from the basement for one final showing. For newer staff it was a journey of discovery for them, trawling through the Gallery’s database to find works that struck a chord. The selection of works in the exhibition reflects the personality and taste of each staff member but is also a true indication of just how varied the collection is. From traditional painting, through to assemblage pieces and cast glass and ceramics, there is something for everyone in this exhibition. There are over one hundred artworks installed and we celebrate this with a very full hang. When it’s our last chance for a while to show work in this beautiful space why wouldn’t we make the most of it?

Greg Donson
Curator and Public Programmes Manager