Introduction

For several years I have felt compelled to try and express the soul of surfers and surf spots-mainly local- through photographs and text. The title alludes to the fact that I feel this soul most keenly “on shore “- as opposed to “off shore “. (“Off shore”, amongst the breaking waves, adrenaline and machismo dominate and this is not of photographic interest to me). I am hopeful that even non surfers can feel this more reflective side of surfing in this exhibition.

John Bannister October 2006

(I should explain to non surfers the double entendre in the title. It describes the wind direction as blowing from the sea to the shore. An “on shore “wind direction makes the waves “messy “– disorganised, turbulent- and unsuitable for surfing.)

A Kings Code - Matt King
20 October - 3 December

Matt King’s-Artist Statement

I make artworks for emotive reasons; I am motivated by memory and place. I am very interested in the symbolic and the development of the symbol. I hope to evoke from the viewer a personal response rather than a collective one. I completed a Diploma in Fine Art from Otago School of Art in 1996. I have had two solo shows; and a number of group shows since graduating.

“A King’s Code” is the first major body of work I have completed since returning to Gisborne. Most of my own creativity has been surrendered to my students. Ideas and production of works is often fractured due to a lack of opportunity and energy to create. From the aesthetics to process there is a large variation in the works; the common thread in the pieces is that of my personal responses and commentary to Tairawhiti and its people. This has helped me form my position to political and social issues.