Q&A with Josh Manu

Govett-Brewster Art Gallery

Josh Manu is one of the smiling faces you’ll see as you walk in to New Plymouth’s Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre, and a font of knowledge on the Gallery and all things in the region’s thriving creative and cultural sector.

Gallery team member Josh Manu © Lucy Nacey T TOP: Sky Snakes, by Len Lye © Bryan W James

What can visitors expect to see, discover and experience?

Expect to see the unexpected, and while that might be a bit cliché, it’s at the heart of what we offer as a contemporary art destination. Catch the largest-ever exhibition of Len Lye’s pioneering film works, an amazing exhibition by US artist Candice Lin, dozens of events that will enable you to explore and engage with the art, or grab something a little different from the Govett-Brewster Shop.

Who typically visits the art gallery?

While the Govett-Brewster has been around since 1970, the Len Lye Centre opened in 2015. Since then we’ve seen visitors grow from an art crowd to a global audience. Many are visiting New Plymouth for the first time, often because of the Gallery, and once here discover everything else the region has to offer.

What are the most popular exhibits?

The work of pioneering filmmaker and kinetic artist Len Lye – New Zealand’s most renowned international artist - always triggers an amazing response, ranging from quiet contemplation to outright trepidation, as is often the case with some of the more energetic kinetic sculptures.

What’s planned for the future?

We’re always working on bringing ideas, artworks, exhibitions and people from the forefront of national and international art practice to New Plymouth. The Gallery’s exhibitions change every four months, so there’s an ever-changing programme of things to see and ways to engage with the art that means you have to come back often.

Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre 42 Queen St, New Plymouth • P: 06 759 6060 • W: govettbrewster.com • E: info@govettbrewster.com • OPENING HOURS: Daily, 10am-5pm