'I'm always looking for the Hows and the Whys and the Whats,' said Muskrat, 'That is why I speak as I do. You've heard of Muskrat's Much-in-Little, of course?'
'No,' said the child. 'What is it?'
- The Mouse and his Child. Russell Hoban.

Go here to find out more.

Wednesday 1 October 2014

Insane in the Membrane

Natalie and I went up to Auckland yesterday.
Ponsonby is a rather delightful suburb with funky little (and some bigger) arty and designer shops, super galleries, and great cafes.
I particularly wanted to check out Whitespace, and also go to Black Asterix to see 'Insane in the Membrane' by Ewan McDougall. It was great to see it in the flesh paint.  So funny, and happy, and crazy.  I love his work, and enjoy the references to ancient cave art. However he can develop some quite dark themes, especially during our recent election.  The work is not as simplistic as the bright colours and repeating smiling imagery would suggest.


'Insane in the Membrane' - Ewan McDougall - Black Asterix, Ponsonby, Auckland.

Then, although it was already about 2pm, we went to see if they had again run out of their heavenly tiramisu at the cafe near the Auckland Museum. Sadly they had.  So I had to make do with the wonderful lemon pie and Nat had something else.
Although the wind was cold, the sun shone.  A Nice Day.
On the way home Natalie drove from almost Ngatea to Paeroa - about 30 kms.  Her driving is coming along very well.

9 comments:

  1. I really do think a slightly more subdued palette would improve his work. The imagery is interesting, but the colour off-putting. Also I'm not keen on everything being nicely fitted-in; it looks as if he's just filled-in all the available space.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I certainly think his work is very bold Cro. And it's possibly the last kind of thing I would do myself. But I have to disagree with you about the colour… if it were more subdued, it wouldn't say the same thing at all. (Of course, what it would say might be interesting too!) I'll have to reflect on the fitting-in thing...

      Delete
  2. sounds like a nice day out. Not sure about the art.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Helsie - The colours in a quilt would definitely be in a kid's room, wouldn't they!

      Delete
  3. I think the art is what I would call 'interesting' but I may be using it in a different context to the more artistically intellectual Cro.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GB - This one is pretty riotous, although so are most of his other works!

      Delete
  4. I like your new hairstyle Kate. It is suitably youthful for an artist and in my ever so humble opinion it suits you. In the first photo you look as if you have taken a mind-bending drug! Good job your daughter was there to drive you homewards.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yorkshire Pudding was earlier than me to make you a complement for your hairstyle, so I agree with his words. The first picture is the best, a way of communicating Maori style?
    Funny painting. Somehow I must have seen Ewan McDougall’s artwork before without really noticing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And thank you too Ben. The eye-rolling does indeed look like I am doing a Haka.
      McDougall takes his cue from prehistoric cave-drawings and I can see how there are many analogies, subtle messages and references despite the very in-your-face-ness of the figures and colours.

      Delete

Spam will go in the incinerator. All other comments are gratefully received. Communication is what makes the world go 'round.