“This is a subversive and radical exhibition, perhaps only possible in provincial Aotearoa New Zealand. It argues that art needn’t be expensive to be beautiful, important and life-enhancing. As Oscar Wilde famously said, its value matters far more than its price. Nothing in this exhibition cost the Collector – who has kindly lent us a large number of his treasures – a huge amount of money.

 

Artists can be generous souls; and market forces aren’t always kind to historical ones. Mischievously, though, there is an artwork included that is worth more than anything else put together. Now friends, Southlanders and countrypersons, ignore the vulgar monetary aspect and enjoy the sophistication, charm and beauty of these works and the stories they tell. You’ll be in for a wonderful surprise.

 

One final thing. Who’s the Collector, you’re no doubt asking. He calls himself Sir Kenneth Clark. Bonkers! Next question?”