About Poking Sticks... A Different, Irreverent Reality

We all have different views of what is perceived as reality. This exhibition is an exploration of works created by Dutch artists – recent arrivals and descendants of earlier immigrants. It highlights the different ways in which they interpret our world, through their art. Not quite in the Kiwi way….

Are there common themes we can discern? A sense of poking fun at things? The use of light, just like the old masters? That strong Dutch cultural trait of doing things in our own highly individual, stubbornly independent way? The liberating idea that straddling two cultures entices you to let go of commonly held norms in each one?

One thing is sure. Here’s a cheeky – irreverent – perspective of our daily grind, that pokes a few sticks at ‘everyday’ reality. Met een knipoog – op z’n Nederlands. Wink, wink…. You’ll see things in a different light. Or entertain an amused smile.

Have a look at the striking works. They are bound to brashly affect you. And then judge for yourself. Are these artists typically ‘Dutch’?

Nine artists from the South Island were brought together initially simply because they are not very well-known in the North Island and really… they should be! We hope you agree.

‘Poking Sticks…’ features two immigrant and seven Kiwi-Dutch artists with one or two parents from the Netherlands. The exhibition explores the themes of the impact of alien artists on our cultural development and gives hints, clues and answers – about Dutch connections, heritage and influences, and traversing the spaces between two cultures.

This colourful and diverse look at a ‘Different, Irreverent Reality’ presents only a small selection of ‘Dutch’ artists – and only from the South Island. But close scrutiny discerns strong themes – even among the children of migrants – that link back to culture, values, history and aesthetics from the Netherlands.

Some of the names in this show, you may have come across. With others, you may wonder why you haven’t…. They are: Rudolf Boelee, Kees Bruin, Helm Ruifrok, Saskia Leek, Kim Pieters, Janet de Wagt, Francis van Hout, Simon van der Sluijs, Ronnie van Hout. And this is ‘Poking Sticks…’.