Online gallery helps artist shine
07 August 2006 By AMANDA SNOW A Taranaki artwork has been scooped up by an anonymous Auckland collector on the first day of an online art exhibition. The painting, Arm Out, by New Plymouth's Anne Holliday was snatched up immediately after the month-long Cities of Art exhibition opened last week. Ms Holliday is among 15 Taranaki artists and 15 Canadian artists whose work is showcased in the web exhibition. "I'm very pleased. It was a great feeling," Ms Holliday says. The South African-born artist, who graduated with a Fine Arts degree from the University of the Witwaterstrand in Johannesburg and has a painting at the National Gallery in Capetown, moved to New Plymouth five years ago. She says her work is inspired by the pain and suffering that was a part of life in Johannesburg. "I can't just ignore that part of my roots. The pain inflicted on one part of the body affects all of the body." Cities of Art founder and artist Dale Copeland says the exhibition is off to a great start. She has had several offers from other cities asking if they can join. Showcasing Copeland's art on the Internet has led to invitations to exhibit her work in Paris, New York, Mexico and Bulgaria. "It used to be that as an artist in New Plymouth, your highest hopes were of exhibiting in Auckland, but with the Internet you can exhibit around the world," she said. The Cities-of-Art exhibition can be accessed on the website: www.cities-of-art.com. |
