This exhibition is the worst!

looking forward to bringing e organised art asco – titled ‘ e Earth’s Worst Exhibition’ – will be hosted by Tauranga artist Sam Allen.

A not-so-serious, satirical exhibition that pokes fun at art and artists themselves is kicking o at the Tauranga Historic Village today, February 17.

After working on the exhibition for about six months he’s now ready to excite audiences with a unique event. “I wanted something to stand out from the rest and to give artists a voice to share their experience of what it’s like trying to make it as a creative,” says Sam. “It’s probably best to do that satirically and make jokes about it instead of just complaining about the hardships.”

Shock factor e exhibition will be a haven of havoc, with interactive elements and surprises throughout the gallery. “I think people will be shocked by some things…people will de nitely laugh if they understand things about art and the process of art…it’s all a bit of a tongue-in-cheek joke really. “I think some more sensitive people might take o ence to some things.”

Sam’s forte in the art world is outdoor-focused, with his incredible murals making their mark across Tauranga. Stepping away from the outdoors and into the gallery, Sam says: “Bringing the art indoors gives me more of an opportunity to do things with a weirder process – something where the end product is not going to be able to make sense until it’s nished”.

People aren’t ready

So are Tauranga audiences ready to see an exhibition like this? Sam says: “No”. “I think that’s why it’s the perfect time to do it.”

Sam says Tauranga’s in a big growth stage and is going through growing pains “…it kind of needs something to mix things up a bit and stop that stagnant mentality that has been here for a while”.

Ten guest artists will add their art to the fun too. “It’s a wild range of art styles, a bunch of di erent mediums and everything from sculpture to paintings.” Now, Sam can’t wait to sit back and watch people’s reactions to his exhibition.

“ at’s what arts all about really – it’s about the connection between the audience and the art.” e Earth’s Worst Exhibition opening night is 5.30pm on tonight, February 17, in the People’s Gallery, at e Tauranga Historic Village. e exhibition runs to March 11.