Graham Fletcher
Hardwood, paint and other mixed media
Inspired by public and private collections of tribal and
primitive art that he has seen in recent years, Fletcher's proposal
for headland SCULPTURE ON THE GULF
evolves from one of many pseudo-ethnographic objects he created for
an Auckland exhibition entitled The Eternals (2007).
Through the blend of Polynesian folklore and Western mythologies
Fletcher develops new hybrids and traditions.
This new work recalls the mythological Greek figure of Argos,
the giant with one hundred eyes who remained forever-watchful, as
well as the Polynesian guardian gods which protected sacred lands
and were guides to the spirit world. The Eternal is a
guardian sentinel whose unwavering eyes watch the harbour for
returning and wayward spirits at the same time as it recalls the
historical role of Waiheke Island as part of New Zealand's coastal
defence system during the Second World War.
Graham Fletcher is a New Zealand-born Samoan whose art explores
cultural issues in a post-colonial context. He has been a
practising artist since 1997. He has exhibited regularly in dealer
and public galleries throughout New Zealand and abroad and has been
the recipient of numerous grants and awards. His work is held in
public and private collections nationwide and has been documented
in several publications. Fletcher is currently studying towards his
Doctorate of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland.
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