JJMorgan and co.

THE GALLERY IS NOW CLOSED

2010-10-07T16:44:00.004+13:00

Unfortunatley due to the condition of the building and the lack of support from our landlords we have had to close the gallery here at JJMorgan and Co so Brydee's show will be the last inside this great space.
Our studios will be running for a short time untill our lease expires.

We would like to thank everyone for there support and help with each of our shows - It has been a very exciting and rewarding experiece for all involved.

See you all again soon...

Brydee Rood at J J Morgan and Co.

2010-10-04T17:43:00.002+13:00

Dealing with the winter blues

2010-10-04T17:40:00.001+13:00

As mentioned in a few articles now (And in the recent one below) we have had a very slow winter here at J J Morgan and Co. this was not our intention as we had a lot of shows lined up featuring artists from around the world. But much to our disappointment we have unfortunately found ourselves in a situation where the building that we are in has just continually given way to the elements in this case water and so have found ourselves slowly cancelling or postponing up coming shows until the landlords/owners are willing to rectify the issues. As you can imagine these circumstances have been very upsetting and disappointing to say the least for the team here at JJ Morgan and Co. and all though very off putting we have kept an open line for the artists involved (Thank you for your support you guys are great) and an open mind to moving on with events be it in this space if fixed, another venue (if suitable for artists), online or as it maybe for our last event this year at JJ Morgan on the ceiling. Yip that’s right the ceiling the only safe place for work at the moment, the talented and very adventurist artist Brydee Rood (Of Auckland) having just arrived back from unveiling a new work in Germany will be making a guest appearance as our last resident artist for the year. You can see here new work up close from 5:30pm onwards on Saturday the 9th of October.

Mark Amery's latest post on the bigidea

2010-09-17T09:20:00.001+12:00

.....strong exhibitions together earlier in the year with the new JJ Morgan and Co gallery. Situated in an old industrial space in Kilbirnie, they describe their operation as a “freeform working space”. After a furious burst of activity early in the year the gallery has gone quiet over winter, but their blog remains lively.

Read the whole article here.

MAJOR NEW ZEALAND ART AWARDS ANNOUNCED

2010-09-07T16:23:00.000+12:00

The Winners of the 19th Wallace Art Awards 2010 were announced last night at the Pah Homestead at the TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre. The Awards, amounting to over $160,000, are the longest surviving and largest of their kind in New Zealand. They differ from other important New Zealand art prizes in that they aim to provide challenging opportunities and broadening experiences to the four major winners by way of residencies at top-class international institutions.

This year there were over 400 applications received, with 106 chosen as finalists. The judges were three distinguished New Zealand artists- Philip Trusttum, Sara Hughes and Peter Gibson-Smith. The Awards were presented by the Hon. John Banks QSO, Mayor of Auckland City. It was the first year that these ceremonies were conducted at the historic Pah Homestead, the new permanent home of the Wallace Arts Trust that opened to the public in August this year.

The 2010 Winners

The Wallace Arts Trust Paramount Award Winner - Sam Mitchell

The winner receives a six month residency at the International Studio and Curatorial Program in New York, and a bronze trophy by Terry Stringer.

The Kaipara Foundation Wallace Arts Trust Award Winner - Glen Hayward
The winner receives a three month residency at Altes Spital in Solothurn, Switzerland.

Fulbright-Wallace Arts Trust Award Winner - Mark Braunias
The winner receives a three month residency at the Headlands Centre for the Arts in Sausalito, USA.

The Wallace Arts Trust Development Award Winner - Graham Fletcher
The winner receives a two month residency at the Vermont Studio Center, USA.

First Runner-up Award Winner - Simon Esling
The winner receives $2000

Second Runner-up Award Winner - Iain Cheesman
The winner receives $2000

Jury Award - Robyn Hoonhout

The People's Choice Award will be announced following the conclusion of the Exhibition of Winners and Selected Finalists at TheNewDowse

The Exhibitions of Winners and Finalists

The Exhibition of Winners and Selected Finalists is on display from 7 September to 3 October at the TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre, Pah Homestead, 72 Hillsborough Road, Auckland. The Centre is open Tuesday to Friday from 11am - 4pm, and Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 10am - 5pm.

The Exhibition of Winners and Selected Finalists will travel to TheNewDowse, 45 Laings Road, Lower Hutt, Wellington, and will be open to the public from 22 October to 28 November. TheNewDowse is open Monday to Friday from 10am - 4.30pm and Saturday and Sundays from 10am - 5pm. For more information visit www.newdowse.org.nz.

The Salon des Refuses of those finalists not selected for the travelling exhibition will be on display at the TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre from 7 September to 31 October. This is the first year that both the travelling Exhibition of Winners and Selected Finalists and the Salon des Refusés are being exhibited at the same venue.

Rejected Art Award

2010-09-02T09:28:00.001+12:00

An interesting idea from Matt Akehurst worth a look Rejected Art Award

1000th visitor....

2010-09-01T22:07:00.001+12:00

Today marked the day of our 1000th visitor to our blog.
Thank you to those that have visited and those that follow us.....

If you have a little spare time

2010-08-30T10:46:00.000+12:00

You may wish to have a look at these

Artist Alliance Appliance publication 105

2010-08-28T09:10:00.002+12:00

Justin Jade Morgan talks to talented watercolourist Luisa Rossitto; Full interview coming soon

Latest Arts All publication from Artists Alliance

2010-08-28T08:50:00.002+12:00

Another round of congarts goes too...

2010-08-27T15:14:00.003+12:00

The JJMorgan and Co. team would like to congratulate Brydee Rood, Glenn Burrell, Andrea du Chatenier, Mark Curtis and Bevan Shaw on their recent selections in the upcoming Wallace Art Awards you can see the selections here

MULTIPOINT International Art Symposium 2010

2010-08-27T08:27:00.001+12:00

The decision to create an ongoing project MULTIPOINT International Art Symposium involving international artists is significant in the context of endeavour to create dialogue among artists from different cultures. The theme of the MULTIPOINT International Art Symposium 2010 is PROXIMITY - as an ability to consistently create experiences that invite to start conversations and create content. Clearly in that case the articulation of the visual field reflects a tendency in the perceptual system itself - and is aimed at reflecting the artists´ unique style. Subject and technique will be decided by the artists. The 10 days event (30.7. - 8.8.2010) attempts to support activities of the temporary international artistic community and also encourages cooperation of Slovak and international artists. Artistic symposium gives the participants the opportunity to step into the creative moment and freedom of self-expression. Spiritual insight is emphasized alongside with the mastery of technique. MULTIPOINT ´International Art Symposium 2010´ aims at providing artists with the opportunity for the independent creative space within a framework of cultural exchange and dialogue.

MULTIPOINT International Art Symposium 2010 takes place at the studios of ARS STUDIO. Established in 1995 - ARS STUDIO – a non-for-profit art association and private elementary school of arts located in Nitra (Slovakia) is dedicated to fostering exploration, understanding and enjoyment of the fine arts at multiple layers. During its more than 14 years of service we have taken part in many local, national and international events in the field of performance, concerts, exhibitions, education and artetherapy. (www.arsstudio.sk)
Each participating artist is going to present the portfolio of the artworks as scheduled during the symposium.
MULTIPOINT also features ART ETC - afternoon coffee breaks & talks with Lucia VADELOVA - gallery consultant for culture and education from Nitra Gallery. Besides projects of visual art character – talks with artists who are currently exhibiting a the Nitra Gallery or educational projects generally based on strenghtening of the public attitude towards the visual art and the Nitra Gallery – she also organizes other events, e.g. Cycle of chamber music and talks with contemporary Slovak writers.
(www.nitrianskagaleria.sk)

MULTIPOINT International Art Symposium 2010 participants are:

Petr BARINKA (Czech Republic)
Stano BARTA (Slovakia)
Simona BLAHUTOVA (Czech Republic)
Lucia CERNEKOVA (Slovakia)
Tomas CERNY (Czech Republic)
Rai ESCALE (Spain)
Edwige FOUVRY (Belgium)
Anne HUTTUNEN (The Netherlands)
Paul CHING-BOR (USA)
Julian McKINNON (New Zealand) - WAY TO GO JULIAN
Milos KOPTAK (Slovakia)
Corina PAPAFRAGKOU (Greece)
Viliam SULIK (Slovakia)
Martin LACA (Slovakia)

Congratulations....

2010-07-27T16:43:00.002+12:00

The JJMorgan and Co. team would like to congratulate Brydee Rood and Glenn Burrell on their recent selections as finalists in the Bold Horizon National Contemporary Art Award 2010 you can see their works and the others that got selected here

Can I take a photo of that??

2010-07-23T09:37:00.003+12:00

Each morning I wake up to a range of interesting thoughts, facts and figures as I down my first hot drink of the day and move through the many blogs I have listed as a must read. Today I found this great entry on the topic of restrictive photography policies it is well worth a read.
Snap-Happy

Smash and Tag

2010-07-17T10:21:00.004+12:00

Is on today don't forget to drop by and have a look
Smash and Tag

To keep an eye on the project or to see documention Enjoy blog

'Deep Imagination Therapy'

2010-07-16T09:31:00.005+12:00

What a great experience ... Thanks Jacob for sharing your skills with us and on behalf of the JJ Morgan and Co. team, I would like to wish you all the best with your trip home and future projects.

For those of you that missed the performance you are in luck. We are showing the outcomes from this performance for two weeks in the galley. So if you wish to have a look you are welcome to call me to make a private veiwing.

We will also be posting up some documention of the performance very soon so keep an eye on the blog...

This Thursday at JJ Morgan and Co.

2010-07-13T22:08:00.000+12:00

JJ Morgan and Co. is proud to present;

Jacob C. Hammes a Chicago based artist who uses hypnosis as a collaborative medium, working with artists to tap into the subconscious and explore relationships to creativity and control.

This Thursday, 7pm at JJ Morgan and Co. Hammes will perform hypnosis with a handful of participants, mostly Wellington artists, in a collaborative group performance of “Deep Imagination Therapy” which he is the inventor and sole practitioner of.

We look forward to seeing you there...

Chicago based multimedia artist Jacob C. Hammes.

2010-07-12T22:54:00.003+12:00

If you are in or making your way to Auckland over the next month or so be sure to drop by Te Tuhi - Centre for arts. They have an array of projects on the go and one of the most exciting at the moment would have to be there drawing Wall.

This project space is currently being run by there newly appointed Exhibition Manager and Curatorial Assistant Bruce Philips. And this month he has invited Chicago based multimedia artist Jacob C. Hammes. This is the first time the gallery has invited an international artist to contribute to the Drawing Wall project.

(Notes from The Big Idea)....

Hammes has exhibited and performed extensively in Chicago and has been an instigator and member of a number of sound performance groups and artist run spaces. Often working collaboratively Hammes’ practice escapes conventional classification but as Philips suggests, ‘could be described as operating within the realms of installation and experimental media, hardware hacking, abject sculpture and sound art’.

His current body of work entitled Deep Imagination Therapy investigates the creative unconscious of artistic production by hypnotising his fellow artists as a form of collaboration.

The resulting sound recordings of the hypnotisms reveal synesthesic experiences. For the Drawing Wall Hammes has proposed an interactive sound installation. The installation involves numerous people experiencing synesthesia while under hypnosis and describing the visual appearance of sounds, colour and other sensory perception.

While in New Zealand Hammes will continue his collection of recordings by hypnotising local artists to be added to the installation.

Jacob C. Hammes (Chicago)
Synesthetic Collection #1
10 July – 22 August

For more information visit;

http://www.tetuhi.org.nz/

Primera Disaster Smash N Tag...

2010-06-29T16:55:00.003+12:00

is the name of James R Fords latest project that is coming up soon in Wellington if you wish to take part feel free to visit Primera Disaster Smash N Tag

Where did they go.......

2010-06-22T15:00:00.006+12:00

Rebecca Ross - Can now be found in and around
the beautiful streets of Italy - You can keep up with her work here

Julian McKinnon - Is now also traveling around Europe. Last spotted in between Krakow, Poland and Amsterdam. We will be sure to here more about his exploits soon, but till then you can check out his new website here

Gabriel Heimler - Leaving his mark all over Wellington, you can see his latest project here

James R Ford - Is getting ready to show a suite of fresh new works at Antoinette Godkin Gallery, Auckland.
Be sure to drop into the gallery to see them, well worth the trip.

Mark Usser - Has a range of new
and old works up at Maranui Cafe, Lyall Bay
You can also check some of his works out here

Melanie Moreau - Has started up a new and exciting project you can check it out here

The International Travellers Box has just released a new project from New Zealand.

Whats been happening of late...

2010-06-04T09:51:00.004+12:00

Here at JJ Morgan and Co.... we have been very busy putting together a range of publications for the first half of the year and have been dealing with a few changes within our space....(more on that later)

And we have also been making a range of visits meeting with artists and taking in a few shows along the way.

Shows that we recommond you should check out if you get the chance

Peter Madden's - An Exploding Crystal Cave Freezes Time (telegraphing polymorphic rainbows into the mouths of the mute)

‘Levitation of the Cryptoid’ by Matt Molloy

Coming up soon;
At Hamish McKay- Opening this Saturday at 1pm Rohan Wealleans

At Enjoy

Outside Voices: Mass Freeze

2010-06-04T09:46:00.003+12:00

This project will be taking place in downtown Wellington very soon.
For more information and to take part please feel free to check out the link below:

Outside Voices; Mass Freeze

Dont forget...

2010-05-11T21:46:00.001+12:00

Orienteering Unicorns

Opens this Friday 7pm onwards
(14th of May)

We look forward to seeing you there...

Travellers-box-has-arrived-in-hataitai

2010-05-11T21:18:00.001+12:00

Colonialhospital

JJMorgan and Co. out and about on the web...

2010-05-10T17:02:00.001+12:00

Roger Boyce Paints

5urr Holland

New show opens next week

2010-05-06T14:08:00.010+12:00

JJ Morgan and Co. is proud to present:

ORIENTEERING UNICORNS

------------------------------------------------------------

This show features new work developed by Rebecca Ross over a two week period while spending time at JJ Morgan and Co. as our second resident artist.

Rebecca Ross lives and works in Brisbane Australia.
She has completed a Masters of Fine Art at Queensland University of Technology (2005) Rebecca has shown her work within an array of Australian ARI's and public galleries such as Boxcopy and the Museum of Brisbane.In 2009 Rebecca travelled to Venice to undertake a residency at Scuola Internazionale di Grafica and has also held a residency spot at Metro Art (Australia). Rebecca currently has a show 'Radius of Action' on at the Brisbane Museum.

You can see more of Rebecca's work here; www.rebeccaross.com

------------------------------------------------------------
DATE: Opening Friday the 14th of May 7pm onwards

Show runs from the 15th till 27th of May 2010

(Rebecca Ross at JJ Morgan and Co.)

Maybe you could help out...

2010-05-04T18:50:00.004+12:00

"Kim Paton from the Free Store project is looking to hire a van, to use Mon-Friday, 8-10am (two hours only) from Friday 21st May"

If you are able to help please contact one of the following people;

Kim  Paton         
Email: khpaton@gmail.com  
Phone: 0276999758 
 
Letting  Space  
Sophie  Jerram  and  Mark  Amery www.lettingspace.org.nz

FREESTORE coming soon...

2010-05-04T18:24:00.004+12:00

Freestore  is  the  second  Letting  Space  commission  by 
artist  and  business person  Kim  Paton.   Freestore 
explores  how  food  has  increasingly  become  a 
political  issue.  The  nature  in  which  food  is  produced, 
where  it  comes  from  and  how  it  is  distributed  are  all 
widely  debated  and  discussed  issues. Growing  awareness 
among  food  producers,  manufacturers,  suppliers  and 
retailers  has  also  resulted  in  new  innovative  approaches 
to  how  we  deal  with  waste  and  excess. Freestore
  is  a  temporary  grocery  store  that  brings 
together   a network  of  producers, suppliers  and  retailers. 
For  a  14‐day  period  businesses  will  pool  resources, 
contributing  excess  product,  whether  it  be  deem second  grade,
 waste  or  past  used  by  date. The  goods  a then  offered  for  free  to 
customers  visiting  the  store. 

FREESTORE
KEY IDEAS
Food  is  a  vital  and  political  currency. In  the  current  economic 
climate  with  increasing  pressure  on  food  prices, more  and  more  members 
of  society  from  all  walks  of  life  are  finding  it  increasingly  difficult 
to  access  the  quantity  and  quality  of  food  necessary.  Addressing  issues 
of  food  waste,  excess  and  distribution  can  ease  the  growing  gap  between  those  who ‘have’ and  those  who  do  not, there  are  also  significant  economic  benefits  for  businesses  and  individuals  alike  if  excess  and  waste  are  reduced. 

Freestore offers  the  public  an  important  chance  to  encounter  a  unique  retail  experience  that  raises  these  issues.  Businesses  have  significant  power  to  affect  change. From  producers  through  to  retailers,  businesses  are  now  active 
in  promoting  social  and  environmental  responsibility.
 Many  have  developed  their  own  innovative  ways  of  dealing  with  waste, 
and  many  are  very  active  in  their  communities. 
Freestore  is  an  opportunity  to  strongly  promote  those  participating
 businesses  in  this  manner. 
 
WHEN
FRIDAY 21st MAY to
SATURDAY 6 JUNE 2010
10AM - 6PM
CLOSED SUNDAYS

WHERE
38 GHUZNEE STREET
WELLINGTON
CITY CENTRAL
Most recently home to the
Nutstore and across the
road from Video Ezy,
Bowen Galleries and
Hamish McKay Gallery.
HOW
5 days per week the
Freestore van will collect
contributions from
suppliers.
Pick ups can be scheduled
daily, twice weekly or
once weekly, depending
on the nature of your
product and your level of
contribution.
 
Artist  and  grocery  store  owner  Kim  Paton  is  organizing  Freestore.
 Kim  Paton  has  an  Honours  degree  in  Fine  Arts  from  Massey  University 
(Wellington)  and  is  currently  completing  a  Masters  in  Business 
at  Waikato  University.  She  exhibits  regularly  throughout  New  Zealand, recent  projects  include  Imagining  Victories  at  the  Adam  Art  Gallery  and  Break: Towards  a  Public  Realm  at  the  Govett  Brewster. She  is  interested  in  new  ideas  in  economics  and  independent  business  practice  and  for  the  last  3 years  has owned  a  grocery  store  in  Raglan.  

For more information on the project or to offer your support please contact
 
Kim  Paton         
Email: khpaton@gmail.com  
Phone: 0276999758 
 
Letting  Space  
Sophie  Jerram  and  Mark  Amery www.lettingspace.org.nz 

Recent 48 hour film 'The Fabricator'

2010-05-03T15:48:00.004+12:00

Here is a little something from one of our current studio artists Ruth Korver and the Electric Pink Company

'The Fabricator'

beingeverywhere...

2010-05-03T09:13:00.007+12:00

Have you ever wondered if it were possible to be in two or more places at the same time ...

JJ Morgan and Co. is proud to present;

Beingeverywhere a space utopian project based on Stefan Riebel's performative and sculptural work.

Since February 2007 Stefan has been filling white balloons with his breath and sending them to people all over the world. The individuals who receive a balloon get to destroy it in a place and a way they choose to set his breath free. We have been lucky enough to have received one of these very balloons and have decided to set it up in our stairway to allow it to collapse over time. For this brief moment of time while Stefan's air/breath ('an essential part of him') is released we will be in the company of Stefan.

Installation shot (JJ Morgan and Co. 2/05/09)

Last call... And the box makes a come back...

2010-04-29T17:15:00.003+12:00

Dont forget to drop in to see our latest exhibiton

'I SHALL SPIT ON YOUR GRAVES'

Last two days for the show SATURDAY/SUNDAY 11am -4pm

Dan shaw and the international travellers box ...

The box is back this time with Wellington based artist Dan Shaw you can check it out here;

http://travellersbox.blogspot.com/2010/04/travellers-box-server.html

Don't miss out...

2010-04-26T09:49:00.005+12:00

Just in case you need a little bit of enticing. Here are some images of a few works in our latest show.

Jonathan Campbell
Lot #3, 2009
Bronze
Courtesy of the artist and Suite Gallery

Ricky Swallow
Drawing/Horror, 1999
Acrylic watercolour on paper, 380 x 280 mm
Collection of Hamish McKay

Ricky Swallow
Untitled , 1998
Acrylic watercolour on paper, 250 x 165 mm
Collection of Hamish McKay

Ronnie Van Hout
I Guess I Loose, 2003
Mixed media
Collection Jim and Mary Barr

Peter Madden
Dusk, 2007
Medium; plastic and metal foil
Collection of the artist

The latest on Gabriel Heimler

2010-04-21T16:30:00.002+12:00

To see what Gabriel has been up to check out this link

Suite news

I SHALL SPIT ON YOUR GRAVES

2010-04-20T10:29:00.004+12:00

A few images from the opening...

Thank you to everyone who made it to the opening it was great to see you there.

If you couldn't make the opening but wish to see the show please feel free to drop into the gallery to take a look.

Gallery/show hours;
Thursday/Friday 7-9pm
Saturday/Sunday 11am-4pm

Gabriel at JJ Morgan and Co.

2010-04-18T15:43:00.005+12:00

A few images of his work...

Please feel free to drive by or to drop into the gallery to have a look at this great piece 'Fence jumper' by Gabriel.

New artist for JJ Morgan and Co. Street Frontage

2010-04-14T22:45:00.008+12:00

This coming Saturday at 5pm JJ Morgan and Co. will be unveiling a new work by German based painter Gabriel Heimler.

Come meet the artist, talk to him about his work and if your lucky enough you may take the work home with you. That's right this work is for sale - Imagine owning a work by a very well respected world class painter. If you want more evidence of what he can do please feel free to visit Suite Gallery in Newtown, Wellington as they too have a truly stunning painting on display.

Gabriel Heimler

Born in Paris, based in Germany and currently traveling the world Gabriel Heimler has been producing stunning works through out Europe and has sold work through Sotheby's in New York. Gabriel completed his studies at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts de Paris in 1989 and has since been working and living in Berlin, as a freelance artist. Gabriel is an active member of the German Artists' Association and the Cultural Council for Fine Arts, Berlin. He has curated several exhibitions, including the Jewish Central Labyrinth show at the Jewish Cultural Festival in Berlin in 1999, where he also exhibited.

Here are a few links to some of Gabriel's works;

Hotel Art

Berlin wall (East side) YouTube clip

Website

JJ Morgan and Co. would like to acknowledge and thank Suite Gallery for there support and partnership in this project.

Don't forget to check Suite Galleries news section for latest updates on what there artists are up to.

Opening this week at JJMorgan and Co.

2010-04-12T14:55:00.003+12:00

This coming Saturday we open the final show in the suite of exhibitions produced by Love Lab projects (Melanie Moreau) during JJ Morgan and Co's first curator residency;

I SHALL SPIT OF YOUR GRAVES

This show brings together the following artists;

Jonathan Campbell
Andrea Du-Chatenier
Jason Greig
Peter Madden
Ricky Swallow
Ronnie van Hout
Wayne Youle

We look forward to seeing you at the show...

(Click on the flyer for more details and to enlarge)

We would like to thank the following people for there support with this show;

Hamish McKay
Jim and Mary Barr
Marynewtown Gallery
Suite Gallery
The Artists

JJMorgan on the international travellers Box website

2010-04-04T12:16:00.001+12:00

Right here

Here are a few shots from the opening of All In Between (then and now)

2010-03-28T09:23:00.005+13:00

Thank you to everyone that come to wish Julian farewell...

On behalf of the JJMorgan and Co. team I would like to wish you all the best Julian, it was a real pleasure to be in the presence of such a talented and thoughtful individual. Happy travels...

More photos from the show will be uploaded soon
- Keep an eye on our flickr page

All in between then and now opens tonight see you there...

2010-03-26T16:22:00.002+13:00

All in Between (Then and Now)

Julian McKinnon
Selected works from 2006 – the present
J.J. Morgan & Co
26th and 27th March 2010

“The creation of the works on show spann a period of immense development and change in my artistic practice. From an approach which was essentially landscape based, to one which is entirely non-representational, and addressing concerns of abstraction and process. This was in part a response to the stimulation of artistic culture from a period in The United States and Europe in 2007, and in part a maturation of my own artistic development. Each of these works signifies a step along the way to realisation of my artistic goals. This exhibition is also a significant milestone as it is my last before I relocate to Europe for the foreseeable future. I will base myself in Amsterdam to pursue further artistic development and expression, whilst engaging with the vast and extraordinary cultural tradition of The Netherlands and Europe. Undoubtedly this will lead to further change and maturation in my art work, in a manner which is impossible to predict. I hope you enjoy the show as I have enjoyed making these works and presenting them to you.”

Julian McKinnon (2010)

Rebecca Ross at Museum of Brisbane

2010-03-23T10:35:00.005+13:00

Rebecca Ross's solo exhibition Radius of Action opens in the Museum of Brisbane's new Mezzanine Gallery on Friday March 26th,
6 - 7.30pm, and runs until May 9th.
Address 157 Ann Street Brisbane
(just around the corner from King George Square).
There is an exhibition page on the MoB website if you would like more info www.museumofbrisbane.com.au
All the best for the show Rebecca

This week at JJMorgan and Co.

2010-03-23T09:16:00.009+13:00

Resident Artist Julian McKinnon
All in between (then and now)
This show opens on Friday the 26th of March at 6pm.
The show runs for one night and one day (Saturday the 27th 11am - 4pm) so you will have to be quick if you wish to view the work and wish Julian all the best as he makes his way to Europe.
(See flyer for more details)

Shannon Novak's international project 'Sound Fragments'
is underway from March 21 – May 2

This work is for sale with all profits going to Artist Alliance.
If you wish to purchase this work please talk to one of the team members here at JJMorgan and Co.

We say good bye to Mark Curtis...

2010-03-21T11:57:00.004+13:00

We were treated to a wonderful presentation by Mark Curtis last night which contained an array of striking projects.

J J Morgan and Co. would like to thank you for visiting us and for supporting Mark.We would also like to thank the curator of the show Melanie Moreau and of course the very talented artist Mark Curtis - We look forward with interest to seeing what comes next from you Mark and wish you all the best with your future endeavours.

Eyecontact - The latest.

2010-03-20T10:17:00.002+13:00

Mark Amery on two new art spaces in Wellington

Eyecontact

Starting this weekend...

2010-03-19T18:24:00.002+13:00

Sound Fragments
An installation by New Zealand artist Shannon Novak

Phase 1: Local (Auckland, New Zealand), March 11 – May 2
Phase 2: National (New Zealand), March 21 – May 2
Phase 3: International, April 6 – May 2

In his latest study, Shannon Novak has sought to explore the link between colour, sound, shape, time, emotion, and social context; it is a study that examines the interrelationship between spatial form and social activity; it is a study that will both construct and make manifest a sound wave that spreads sound fragments throughout gallery spaces around the world.

“I began to feel more and more that this is what I was meant to do…to create works that through a simple combination of colour and shape, I would realize the very abstract notion of sound implied through the geometric forms I utilised. It also means I am combining, in a unique and vocational way, my two great loves – music and art.”

“My last exhibition, The Four Dimensions of a Note, launched the initial concept. This exhibition broke a musical note down into four key dimensions (pitch, loudness, duration, and the emotional state) and represented these dimensions as geometric forms on canvas.”

For Novak, the realization of this show meant the beginning of a long journey. Initially, he asked himself; how could he contribute to, or incorporate into his work the complex dialogue New Zealand abstraction presented. For example, how could he engage with, or address the dominant, and yet spartan aesthetic pioneered by the likes of Gordon Walters with which his work was so much aligned. While the similarities with Walter’s work are undeniable, Novak’s work also has much in common with the aesthetic and concerns of Michael Smither who has been interested in the relationship between music and colour for some forty years. It was the abstract sound/colour work Smithers produced that first piqued Novak’s interest. Since both artists also share a musical background, Smithers’ investigations were not only interesting to Novak but combined the same motivating aesthetics from which he could learn. It is through this rich, complex and sometimes daunting field of art history that Novak has sought to carve a niche, in terms of addressing, assimilating and yet, being distinct from, the likes of Smithers and Walters.

Further back in time Novak’s influences are at once interdisciplinary, many and varied and incorporate with art and music, the field of natural science. For example, John Denis Macdonald’s account on the relationship between sound and colour in the nineteenth century, the investigations into the relationship between sound and form by Hans Jenny, Jamie Ward’s explorations of synaesthesia and Richard Merrick’s work with harmonic science have all played a significant part. Novak has also looked at and assimilated the work of Kandinsky, Klee and of course Riley. But his deep involvement with music means that the traditions of Bach, Stravinsky, Dmitri Tymoczko and others have also contributed to a unique and natural blend which fuses both 20th century abstract painting and the aural abstraction of music. “I saw a way through the conceptual and aesthetic impasses Walters presented to me by blending music with art and this provided me with a singular direction I was very excited to be taking.”

Mark Curtis comes back to Wellington...

2010-03-18T07:11:00.003+13:00

If you haven't had the chance to visit Marks show or you wish to meet the artist now is your chance too.

Mark will be at JJMorgan and Co. this Saturday to talk about his project and practice.

Click on flyer above for more details...

Keep an eye out for this....

2010-03-11T08:36:00.004+13:00

There is a great new project that is about to take place
soon here in Wellington 'Letting space' and you can be a part of it.

Take a look here;

www.lettingspace.org.nz

JJMorgan and Co. in Artnews NZ

2010-03-09T09:41:00.003+13:00

Thanks to the wonderful team at artnews NZ you can now read a little bit more about JJMorgan and Co. go to page 17 of the latest issue...

Three more reasons to visit this show

2010-03-03T22:13:00.003+13:00

Open until the 20th of March

7pm-9pm Wednesday - Friday
11am - 4pm Saturday - Sunday

Don't miss it...

Mark Curtis, Diana Suite - Burnt Tea Mix

2010-03-02T16:07:00.005+13:00

Here are a few shots from last nights opening.
Thank you to those that attended the opening.
If you missed it, please feel free to drop by the gallery to view
this truly stunning show which is on until the 20th of March.

We are proud to present...

2010-02-22T21:47:00.016+13:00

Opening Flyer
Flyer with show dates and times

Out and about and things to look out for in the coming weeks

2010-02-19T17:18:00.015+13:00

Out now...

JJMorgan and Co. gets a mention on the Suite Gallery news page
and on/at/in thecase - ARTZONE

Coming soon...

JJMorgan will be interviewing artist Roger Key about what drives his work.

Mark Curtis will be opening his show
'THE DIANA SUITE'
Burnt with tea mix
Opening 7pm - Monday, March 1st
Show runs March 1st -20th
7-9pm Wed-Fri
11am-4pm Sat-Sun

JJMorgan and Co. will feature in the next issue of artnews NZ

First Sunday

2010-02-14T20:10:00.002+13:00

'Spreading Blankets On The Beach'

2010-02-14T17:28:00.007+13:00

A few shots from the opening:

Thank you! to those of you who attended our opening. We look forward to catching up with you and the others who could not make it at our next event opening on the 1st of March.

Event #2 MEMORABILIA (LoveLab Initiative)
01/03-21/03 - Mark Curtis

Its nearly time...

2010-02-04T15:47:00.000+13:00

Our Official Opening is nearly upon us and we are all looking
forward to seeing, chatting and/or meeting the artists
mentioned below (During the set up or opening)and of
course you guys.

When and who;

5pm-8pm Saturday the 13th of February, 2010

JJMorgan and Co. presents....

A Lovelab Project Part 1; Memory
'Spreading blankets on the beach'
Curated by Melanie Moreau
Featuring works by;
Victoria Birkinshaw, Steve Carr,
James R Ford, Maria Hegedus,
Peter Miller, Geoffery Notman
and Mark Ussher
Show runs until 27th of Feb.

Good times ahead.......

Steve Carr
Still from Splash, 2007, courtesy of the artist
and Michael Lett

Night and day...

2010-02-02T11:50:00.000+13:00

A few fresh images from outside JJMorgan and Co.

2010-01-24T15:55:00.000+13:00

Julian McKinnon interviews the Travellers Box

2010-01-23T08:40:00.000+13:00

Don't forget to keep an eye on The Travellers Box project for updates.

First artist to work with street frontage named....

2010-01-19T12:33:00.000+13:00

Roger Key

Here's a few pic's of Roger making a start........ Feel free to drop in or to drive by to check out how it is progressing.

Watch for more posts in the lead up to the official opening of
JJMorgan and Co........on the 13th of feb.

International Travellers box makes its way to the Govett Brewster Art Gallery and Sanderson Contemporary Art Gallery

2010-01-14T21:52:00.000+13:00

More info can be found here www.travellersbox.blogspot.com

Resident Artist Julian McKinnon talks to JJMorgan

2010-01-13T15:44:00.000+13:00

JJMORGAN When did you realise that you wanted to become an artist?

JULIAN I don’t recall an exact moment as it was more of a gradual development. I had a strong inclination towards music and writing from an early age, though visual art came later on. I remember being about 18 and realizing I was interested in drawing. At that time I had followed the advice of my high school teachers and gone straight into university to study physics and calculus, basically because I had a lot of ability in this field. Somewhere along the way I realized that having that ability did’t mean I had to go on to become a scientist or mathematician. I had never had a great degree of ability in drawing, but there was something about it that excited me. I followed that sense of excitement and it led me to where I am now.

JJMORGAN Why do you make art?

JULIAN Sometimes I ask myself that, as on many levels making art is illogical. In terms of its usefulness it doesn’t fill any utilitarian role or meet the primary needs of anyone. Its” function” is limited to aesthetic or cultural appreciation. However I think art serves a need we as human beings have which is beyond the logical or utilitarian. Wherever you find people you find some form of artistic expression. For some reason we make and respond to art, and whatever that reason is it’s profound and operates on a deep psychological level. At one point I decided to stop painting out of frustration and a sense that I wasn’t making any progress - It seemed like it would be a better idea to pursue a regular profession. I stuck on my “normal guy” hat and went about my life as a non-artist. I’ve never felt so devoid of purpose as at that point, life had been reduced to the merely functional. Some people are perfectly happy having regular jobs, and I guess their sense of meaning is derived from their jobs, friends or family. For me meaning and purpose are derived from making art. Simply put, I make art because I’m compelled to.

JJMORGAN Can you name anything or anyone that has had an influence on your creativity?

JULIAN In my experience creativity is a powerful but utterly anarchic kind of energy, it won’t obey an imposed system of order, and as much as I may try it won’t bend to my will or anyone else’s for that matter (hence the need for dialogue). There have definitely been a few people along the way that have helped me appreciate that and find ways to engage in a creative process. I guess I’d say a couple of tutors from art school, particularly Robert Franken and Peter Adsett have influenced the way I think about my work. Also my uncle, Hamish Horsley, has influenced my ideas. He’s been a practicing artist/sculptor for over 30 years and has a wealth of experiential knowledge which he’s always been willing to share with me.

JJMORGAN Can you tell us something about your work (painting/Drawing)?

JULIAN I’ve always found discussing my work difficult, and I think at least partially that stems from the fact that what I make, and the whole process of thought behind it, is really abstract. There is something that takes place in the art making process whereby the work itself has a significant say in what happens. It’s a kind of conversation between me and the materials, and the result is the art. That conversation isn’t easily translated into verbal language as it’s conducted in visual language. Though I guess you could say my work is about visual relationships, and the correlation of order and chaos. Most natural systems involve a delicate balancing act between structure or pattern and the unbridled anarchic force of nature. I like to think my art work bears some similarity to this. There is pattern, structure, and organic order, but there is also unruliness, rawness, and chaos. These opposing dynamics play off against each other visually in my work.

JJMORGAN With the above thoughts/comments in mind what can you tell us about your working process or actions in relation to your thoughts? Do you have a material selection or particular working method?

JULIAN I tend to make a material selection before I start working, so for example I know I’ll be working with pencil, ink, and acrylic paint from the get go. Once things are set in motion by starting to draw or paint, I quickly move into experimental territory. For some reason I’m not able to follow a plan or move toward a preconceived image, even if I try to the work will inevitably lead me somewhere else. Once working I tend to swing between a very loose and open approach, whereby I let go entirely of any sense of control and just free-form with the materials, and a much more controlled one where I hone in on areas of the work and focus on detail. I guess my thoughts follow this pattern and alternate between very creative/unstructured and controlled/ordered.

JJMORGAN Your latest set of works has involved a long drawn out period of thought and action, how have you maintained a constant flow between both?

JULIAN On some level thought and action are intertwined; they feed off each other and move the work forward. There can come a point when I over think things and my head starts to drive the whole process. This tends to be where things go wrong for me, and I have to step away from the work and revisit it again when I’m more disposed to operate in a synthesis between thought and action. For my art process stepping away and observing is equally important as actually working on a piece. I need to allow time for the work to evolve, and that can mean just observing the work, or even putting it to one side and working on something else for a period of time. So reaching the point where things aren’t going right can actually serve the work in that it signals time for another aspect of the process to take place.

JJMORGAN Taking a closer look at your work; one can see that you have started to make a big shift recently away from larger recognisable flat shapes and have introduced a more organic flow to your work. What has influenced this change?

JULIAN Largely this has been influenced by developing a greater sense of fluency in visual language of the work I’m making. Going back about 3 years I was working in a way that can loosely be described as landscape painting. It wasn’t conventional landscape by any means, but the underlying visual reference was there. You could say the vernacular, or mode of expression was landscape based. From there I’ve shifted into making work which is entirely non-representational, and it’s taken a bit of time to really come to grips with this new modus operandi. Further to this I’d say that the ideas underpinning the work have had a chance to evolve. My earlier abstract works were largely concerned with creating ambiguous visual space and/or playing off illusional space against a 2D surface (for example setting up an area of linear perspective, and then undermining the illusion by drawing the viewer’s attention back to the surface of the work). In making these works I was drawn into thinking about the visual relationship between the controlled and the chaotic, which lead me to my current work.

JJMORGAN And your palette? What is your thinking behind this choice of colours?
I have noticed that you have more often than not made the choice to introduced grays’ into your work at the beginning and half way through the working process. Is this a conscious decision that has been made to subdue the palette and isolate areas of colour?

JULIAN I think at one point I did make a conscious decision to move toward a lighter palette. I was making work that used a lot of black and had done so for a long time. One day it occurred to me that using a different palette would open up a whole range of new opportunities visually. I had been looking at Robert Ryman’s work and thinking about how he had been able to use just white paint to come up with an inexhaustible range of visual ideas. I tried working just with white paint, though that didn’t last long as the work kept leading me away from that. In the current body of work I’ve found the neutrality of gray can offer a visual rest from the chaotic visual assault of colour and line that is otherwise taking place. I think this helps the overall balance of the work.

JJMORGAN It is interesting to hear that you have looked at the work of Ryman and how this had an almost reversible influence on your thoughts and practice. Are there any artists or particular theorists that you maybe following or are inspired by at the moment?

JULIAN I think in general other art practitioners tend to have a peripheral influence on my work rather than a direct one. I like to look at what’s out there and figure out what motivates an artist if I find their work compelling. It’s rare that I’d try something like I mentioned with Ryman’s work, though every now and then I find it useful to explore an approach that isn’t otherwise a part of my practice. Along the way there have been a few things that have really interested me, Modernism in its many forms, Abstract Expressionism, to an extent Post-Modernism. I’d say individual artists and thinkers relevant to my practice today are Kirk Varnedoe for his ideas on abstraction, Gerhard Richter for his treatment of paint, Gordon Walters for the way he explored visual space, and Hundertwasser for the irrepressible energy and eccentricity of his work.

JJMORGAN Where to from here for 2010? Do you have any projects or shows in the pipeline?

JULIAN 2010 is shaping up to be a huge year for my art practice and my life in general. I’m currently in the build up towards 2 exhibitions. In February I’ll be showing a series of works on paper at snapshot in Island Bay, and then in March I’ll be showing a selection of works from the last 3 years at none other than J J Morgan&Co. The 2nd show will include an auction as part of a fundraising effort as I’m heading to Europe. I’m going to be based in The Netherlands for the next year or so pursuing residencies and exhibition opportunities. It’s going to be a big year, right at the moment I can’t imagine a more exciting situation to be in.

First casualty....

2010-01-06T11:01:00.001+13:00

(First response: You weren't doing it right)

More from inside.......

2010-01-06T10:56:00.001+13:00

Taking down and replacing the second wall.

"Practice makes perfect" - After putting up our 3rd wall it was decided with lessons learnt along the way that we would replace the second wall as it no longer looked nor suited what we were after.

A little of what has been happening inside.....

2010-01-04T18:35:00.000+13:00

One fine day and a lick of paint......

2010-01-02T07:12:00.000+13:00

Was all it took and we had ourselves a new front to play with.

Not to long ago ...

2010-01-01T09:04:00.000+13:00

While things are still progressing along nicely inside the space setting up fixtures and painting walls we do not have much in the way of photos to show everyone. So as it is New Year after all, it would seem a good time for a little reflection.

"The best way to encourage artistic freedom is to embrace it yourself " - Justin Jade Morgan - Founder

Having supported the emerging art scene since 2002 with our main aim being to develop and foster the raw talent and creativity of the untamed artist, focusing on local content.

We have extended our hand to further support the distinguished acts of creativity amongst local artists and those from around New Zealand.

The objective of this website is to continue strengthening the connections between the arts and local community.

The statement above once graced the main page for JustArt. JustArt began as a loose concept with its origins going even further back to an earlier arts project called "Vesper". But that was long before my involvement started sometime in late 2004. While studying in New Plymouth in 2005 things began with a number of projects and shows. Both myself and Justin were furthering our individual practices and we would often discuss ideas surrounding art while burning the midnight oil on campus. No reprieve when you got home either, we were also flatting together. The garage was a spray booth, the fridge was stocked with pies, energy drinks, ice cream and the coffee in the morning was so strong when we finally parted company as Justin moved on to study in Wellington and Auckland and went through a good/bad stage of detox. Good times. In that short period we learnt a lot about ourselves as people and artists. We went from picking up spaces as we needed to a dedicated space in the old White Hart Tea Rooms (Our thanks go to Jeremy Thompson). It was one of the most productive and rewarding times of my life. We did everything on a shoe-string budget with the occasional funding from the local community and businesses. Emptied our savings accounts out a few times over, we never let small details such as a lack of funds get in the way of a good idea. I think the thing we had going for us the most was a "can do" attitude. I would drive the hour there and back down to Hawera to borrow tools from family or break into the tool store on campus (apologises Ged) when need be. We churned out personal works at a rate of three or four group shows a year with friends, colleges and peers work being shown in between. Attendance to the shows was amazing. The local community was behind us, as was the Govett Brewster and the council. In 2007 it was cut short by Justin's decision to move back to Wellington to continue with his practice and for work commitments. While I went onto bouncing about New Zealand meeting some interesting people and having many an adventure only to find myself in Wellington in early 2009. I think we both remembered the time spent flatting together, making work and putting together shows fondly, so when the opportunity came up to try our hand again here in Wellington there was no way I could refuse.

Not much has changed, we still like to be as self reliant as possible, the savings account is again running dry. The coffee is still strong but we gave up the pies for healthier eating (thanks Trina). We are a few years older, wiser, but as determined and bloody minded as ever. I am looking forward to the coming year and all it will bring.

Happy New Year everyone.

The Travellers Box

2009-12-18T14:35:00.001+13:00

The Travellers Box Project has now arrived in New Zealand. Originating in Denmark, the boxes have travelled to several countries over the past 5 years; including Germany, Sweden, Norway, the UK and USA, where a series of artists have taken part in various forms of the project. One of the objectives of the project is to expand on this growing international network, via artists collaborating directly (having the box and making work with it), and via those artists connecting with others also involved in the project, both in their own and other countries.

The curators of the project are interested in issues concerning socio-cultural relations such as the cultural divide in attitudes, habits, lifestyles, places, spaces, etc., as well as looking at how placing art work in unusual contexts, creating interventions and so on can play with and shift the boundaries of how art is perceived as 'art'.

A form of work in itself, and as such, selected documentation as well as any artwork created will be published on the website. Exhibition opportunities are encouraged, but not mandatory.

Applications are now open to become involved in the project. When: One week to three months - to be agreed. Apply: Please submit a short proposal via e-mail outlining your interest in the project and how you feel your practice connects with it, along with 3-4 images of current work and CV.

E-mail: info@jamesrford.com

Further information: www.thetravellersbox.org

Submissions now open

2009-12-17T23:06:00.001+13:00

Philosophy:

JJMorgan and Co’s purpose is to facilitate, nurture and develop the existing local and national art scene. Helping to foster and extend the communication and relationship between the arts and the community. JJMorgan and Co. also holds the following aims:

- To operate as a self funded initiative therefore allowing artists to
experiment without market pressure.
- To engage with and serve the local community of Wellington and other like minded communities throughout New Zealand.
- To support, serve and host the artists, curators and creative individuals or groups of Wellington and New Zealand.
- To provide a vehicle that aims to set up, educate and encourage others to achieve within a supportive environment.

JJMorgan and Co. is not just another art space or arts initiative. JJmorgan and Co. recognizes that it serves an artistically dynamic and diverse community. This realization has lead to tailoring an organization that aims to meet the community’s needs rather than cloning the function and structure of other contemporary art spaces. Therefore, in conjunction with exhibiting contemporary visual art JJMorgan and Co also includes other art forms for instance design, performance and hosts discussion, artists and curator residencies and also provides a free from studio environment that allows for new work to take shape.

Location and physical description:

Founders:
Andrew Black
Katrina Jobsis
Justin Jade Morgan

JJMorgan and Co. is a free form working space (Gallery plus studio’s) that is self-founded by a select group of individuals who are dedicated to supporting the development and creative output of artists, designers and curators from New Zealand and aboard.

We are based at 3 Cruickshank Street in between Kilbirnie and Lyall Bay, Wellington, New Zealand.

JJMorgan and Co. also maintains an online presence through www.jjmorganandco.blogspot.com

This online presence serves as an open link or doorway for the community, to view upcoming events or documentation of exhibitions and projects as well as a means to gather information about artists to help extend and build on the arts and its connection with the community as a whole.

History:
JJMorgan and Co. is an extension, a step forward from JustArt a nomadic community initiative that begin back in 2002. For more information please feel free to visit http://www.biojjmorgan.blogspot.com/ for a brief history of JustArt.

Proposal submissions are now being taken. An outline of the proposal criteria is available below.

GUIDELINES FOR EXHIBITION PROPOSALS

J.J Morgan & Co. Takes a proportion of its projects program from proposals and is always open to interesting ideas that broaden the relationship to art and the way that it is viewed.

Applications are received and considered at any time.
Proposals may be for new projects or for exhibitions that have already been curated (not viewed in Wellington). J.J Morgan & Co. encourages the use of the organisation as a site for developmental work, new projects and is open to linking with other groups or organisations and is willing to discuss projects that are still in the pipeline.

*Please note Proposals and support material can be emailed and if posted can only be returned if return postage and self-addressed envelope is included in your initial package.

Email:just2312001@yahoo.co.nz
Post to: 1A Cruickshank Street, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6022

J.J. Morgan & Co. requires the following in support of proposals:

• Concept & Rationale for the proposed exhibition;
this need not normally be more than an A4 page. It should include a succinct account of the idea behind the proposal, including a discussion of the themes the artist(s)/curator(s) treat, or the theoretical background of the work, etcetera. Plans for any writing or publication associated with the exhibition should be mentioned and a time line or preferred dates.
Note; Don't forget to mention which part of the JJMorgan and Co. building you would like to use.

Frontage
Studio A (If not in use)
Main gallery space

• Documentation Recent work to support your proposal can include any of the following: Website URLS, DVD or CD-ROM. Documentation of the exhibition is suitable if the show has already been curated. Please make sure that the documentation is of good quality. Description of the work(s) must be clear and comprehensible.

• Current CV of the participants. Decisions can be made more readily, the more information we are given to work with (eg, hire of equipment, timelines, freight, etc).

Please bear in mind that there are only a certain number of exhibitions possible in a given year, so submitting a proposal is no guarantee of acceptance (This is not necessarily a reflection on the proposal).

We are willing to sit down and discuss matters relating to support and funding.

New wall for 'The back space'

2009-11-30T11:58:00.000+13:00

Work in progress

2009-11-24T22:16:00.001+13:00

Early days

2009-11-17T21:06:00.000+13:00