2008 NZ Mental Health Media Grant project launches in Rotorua
Media Release
3 August 2009
2008 NZ Mental Health Media Grant recipient Kristian Lomath launches his project - an art installation - in Rotorua on Saturday 8 August at the Art Expo Gallery.
The Ilam-trained artist says this is the first of three exhibition dates planned for his installation, called ‘seclusion circle series', and he is looking forward to next Saturday's launch following 12-months of planning and work on the project.
Kristian says the project developed organically and over time drew the interest and participation of five other Rotorua-based artists - computer analyst/writer Malcolm Hore, potter/sculptor George Andrews, photographer Yvonne Westra, writer, artist and musician Barbara O'Reilly and designer Anna Revell - who each contributed a panel that reflects their own experience of mental illness.
"I was pleased the project inspired others to add to the installation, and with the interest from Malcolm, George, Yvonne, Barbara and Anne as well as many others, it has truly been a community project," he says.
Kristian's plan is for visitors to physically engage with the exhibition pieces by walking through, around and into the ‘painter's wheel', which is a series of twelve, three-metre-high, double-sided, painted panels.
"There are also three dimensional art pieces and filmed narratives from the artists talking about their personal experiences and their art," says Kristian.
Kristian says having the grant allowed him the time he needed to work on the installation and was a rare opportunity most kiwi artists do not get these days.
He says, "My happiest moments were in the doing, putting things together that made sense at the time and slowly but surely building on that to develop an ensemble of ideas that linked back to my breakdown and acceptance of an illness that is more common than I believed at the start of my recovery."
The walk-through installation will allow visitors a firsthand experience of seclusion in its many forms as well as exploring the experience of depression, self-discovery and recovery.
"It's about taking the artist's journey and giving visitors a glimpse of that experience," says Kristian.
Kristian and the other artists believe the exhibition will provide some insight into their experiences as well as the importance of social connection, communication and recovery.
They hope that this interaction between the project and the public will help break down some of the stigma and discrimination surrounding the subject of mental distress.
"What I would like people to walk away with," says Kristian, "is the knowledge that it is possible to live with mental illness - and that you can pursue your dreams and be successful."
Kiri Jarden, Community Arts Office, Rotorua District Council says, "It has been a real pleasure to support Kristian through this process, from looking at funding options for his concept, through to the exhibition coming to life.
"It has been a great journey for Kristian and an honour for me to see his growth, share in his story and those of his colleagues who join him in this exhibition.
"I am sure those who take the time to come to Kristian's studio space, will learn something about what it is to live with a mental illness, and something about the pressures the often isolated life of an artist can be like.
"The lesson I have learned from watching the exhibition take shape is what great things can happen when you share your problems and allow yourself to be supported."
Mental Health Foundation Chief Executive Judi Clements says the aim of the media grant is to break down stigma and discrimination and increase understanding of mental distress.
"Art can be a valuable way to reach people that aren't touched by other media, so the creative grant is a wonderful opportunity for people to share their experiences in a meaningful way.
"Kristian's exhibition is a great example of both recovery and creativity. I am sure it will stimulate much thought and reflection."
‘Seclusion circle series' will be at the Art Expo Gallery, Rotorua from 8 - 29 August. From there it moves to Creative Tauranga's Gallery from 1 - 11 September and then on to The Depot Artspace in Auckland from 12 - 24 September.
This art installation was funded by a NZ Mental Health Media Grant and proudly supported by the Ministry of Health's Like Minds, Like Mine Programme, the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand and Rotorua District Council.
For more information and contact details
Cate Hennessy
Ph: (09) 636-5624
Mob: 021 697 426
Email: cate "at" onceuponatime.co.nz
Kristian Lomath: background on the artist
Kristian Lomath is a Rotorua-based artist with experience of mental illness. He attended Ilam Art School, University of Canterbury, for three years before combining part-time work with painting. From 2002 to 2004, he took the leap full time into art and has worked as an artist ever since. He's had several solo or collective (with other emerging artists) art exhibitions including two previous exhibitions in Rotorua and one in Auckland.
