art & about
2021 Portage Ceramic Awards
The finalists for the 2021 Portage Ceramic Awards have been had not anticipated quite how enriching announced, with a shortlist reflecting the creativity and ingenuity of the task would be. It was an education Aotearoa’s top artists working with clay. to have virtual access to studios across Over 33 works by 30 ceramicists are up for this year’s award, the length of Aotearoa and to see current showcasing the diversity of Aotearoa’s contemporary ceramic practice. trends,” said Raewyn. Open to all New Zealand artists working with clay, the Portage The finalists embrace a wide range of Ceramic Awards, organised by Te Uru and now in its 21st year, is media, including clay, stoneware, and Aotearoa’s premier award recognising excellence in ceramic arts terracotta, with a range of glazes, stains practice. and firing techniques, as well as works that Once the winner is announced, Te Uru will open its annual Portage incorporate photography, videography, Ceramic Awards exhibition, with all works selected as finalists on show and mixed media elements, from shells to to the public for the first time. stones to electronics. The competition was not able to be held in 2020, for the first time in “It was a challenge to be called on to the award’s history, due to Covid restrictions. In lieu of the awards, Te select from a wide range of divergent Uru held a retrospective exhibition of previous winners’ work. For the styles,” said Raewyn. “Despite this, I 2021 award, entries were open to artists for all works created during think it is a good thing that there are 2020 and 2021 that had not yet been exhibited. no categories, leaving the work free of Portage judge, Raewyn This year, the finalists and winner have been selected by two-time 'pigeon-holing.” Atkinson: “It was a Premier Award winner Raewyn Atkinson, marking only the second The winners will be announced on challenge.” time in the award’s history that a New Zealander has been in the role December 3, with the exhibition of works open to the public from of judge. December 4 until February 27, 2022, “It was very interesting subject to Covid alert levels. A postto be 'on the other awards talk with the judge will take side' as a judge. It was place on Saturday, December 4 at not something I ever 11am, either in the gallery or online. expected to do, but I saw Over the coming summer, art lovers it as a way to give back are welcome to visit Te Uru for the to the Portage, an award annual showcase and a chance to see that had benefited me the works of the finalists and winner. so much. I knew that it In the shadow of the forest, white clay, stains and glaze, by Louise Rive. Photo For more information, visit teuru.org. would be challenging but by Haruhiko Sameshima/Studio La Gonda. nz
Water issues continue to be prominent
The Government’s three waters proposal is meeting considerable opposition from Local Government, and to be frank some of the criticism is pretty overblown.
already provides restrictions on democratic control. And the good people of Waima who are facing the prospect of an industrial plant being constructed on the ridge of a valley full of Kauri would think that the concept of democratic control is somewhat illusory.
My personal view is that the proposal merits serious consideration. In too many parts of the country With the targeted water the water infrastructure is The Waitākere Ranges Local Board Future West team are (left to right) Mark Allen, Saffron Toms, Sandra Coney and Greg Presland. quality rate there has been appalling. People have died from poisoning. Wellington having regular outflows of some good work happening. Locally the rate has funded sewerage from antiquated infrastructure that has not infrastructure investigation on Laingholm, Titirangi and been maintained properly is a further example of how Wood Bay beaches. Thanks to assistance from enthusiastic bad things can get. And historically Auckland is not locals in Laingholm the beach’s long term warning has much better. Too many of our beaches are polluted and been lifted. Testing has recently been conducted on closed. In too many areas Local Government has not Titirangi Beach and it should also be reopening soon. provided clean water or polluted the local environment. Our country should have goals that water everywhere The proposal will unlock funding that is urgently needed is drinkable and beaches everywhere are swimmable. and I believe it should be given serious consideration. Despite some commentary to the contrary these are not radical proposals. There is concern at the loss of democratic control over water – Greg Presland assets. In Auckland Watercare Advertisement
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The Fringe DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022
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