METAMORPHIS

BCA Gallery Group Show, November 15 – December 9:  Reuben Paterson, Loretta Reynolds, Andy Leleisi’uao, Tim Buchanan, Joan Gragg, Nanette Lela’ulu, Sylvia Marsters, Michel Tuffery, Kay George & Mark Cross

Opening 6pm, Tuesday November 15th

Change is a universal constant.

In 2001, the concept of BCA was born and an unprecedented domestic program to develop Cook Islands contemporary art practise was realised. We are joined by foundation sponsors Air New Zealand, CITC Liquor and Pacific Resort Hotels, together with Brancott Estate Wines, Westpac Bank, Cook Islands Tourism and Cook Islands Printing Services, all of whom share our passion for art.

Ten years later, we stand as a regionally recognized contemporary art gallery representative not only of artists within our own borders, but artists whose reputations are gaining momentum upon the world stage. BCA Gallery exhibits in Rarotonga, Auckland and New York City.

METAMORPHIS represents our 63rd art project. On this occasion, BCA has selected ten artists that represent our endeavours of the past and who will undoubtedly play an important role in our combined futures. Their work speaks to their experiences and ideals. Together they form a fundamental statement of contemporary art practise within the pacific region.

It has always been BCA’s goal to integrate the Cook Islands and its artistic ambitions into the global arena and every day, technology renders that task simpler. The Cook Islands are an exceptional example of how a geographically tiny nation utilizes technology to reach out to the rest of the world culturally, politically, economically and artistically. Our small size is fast becoming our asset. As a nation we are able to affect rapid national change where needed and keep up with a world that can reinvent itself over-night.

With established global airline and shipping links, a maturing political and private sector and strong trade and migration access to Australasia, the potential of our nation is infinite.

The exhibition METAMORPHIS acknowledges these facts.  Over the past 10 years, artistic residencies and international tertiary courses of study have exposed local artists to new influences and, with instant access to web based news, museum, gallery and social media sites any new information in the global artistic community is easily acquired and fresh opportunities identified.

BCA has demonstrated on many occasions that we are capable of successfully exhibiting our artistic offering in foreign environments and reciprocating international artists and exhibitions to an appreciative home audience. BCA has recently begun a program to include international artists for presentations at global art fairs, its primary focus to draw a strong spot-light to the Cook Islands destination and its increasing ability to function as an art hub. In this manner we have exhibited in NYC in 2010 & 2011.

A metamorphic state is in effect, our future, at our behest.

Pictured: Mark Cross, Polycacophony, 101X76cm, oil on canvas.