‘Kill the Cynic’ brings together the works of emerging artists and recent graduates from New Zealand institutions. These artists beginning their careers in the New Zealand art scene are led by a sense of optimism, stepping onto the next foothold and entering the commercial gallery circuit, exposing themselves and their art to the public.
For several of the artists ‘Kill the Cynic’ is a first or second showing in the commercial art world. Several will proceed into long careers and their artistic practice may contribute to the shaping of New Zealand art in the future. As viewers we are allowed to speculate on the potential of each artist, their work and their futures. In their display of genuine dedication in these first showings it seems fair to assume that some of what we are witnessing will be the emergence of “the next big things”. Despite the cynicism and pressure that can bear upon an artist later in their careers, positivity and belief in their potential is required for the emerging artist to present in the gallery space so early on – suspending any disbelief so that they can also give us something to question, ponder or believe in their work.
View exhibition »