An Auckland artist, who is pushing the wider public's perception of art with a portaloo that brays like a donkey, has been named to represent New Zealand at next year's Venice Biennale.
Auckland artist Merilyn Tweedie, also known as Et Al, will receive $500,000 in order to exhibit her work at the Biennale, which is one of the world's leading modern art festivals.
Chairman of Creative New Zealand Peter Biggs is more than happy with her selection.
"What we want to do is show cutting edge New Zealand art to the world," says Biggs.
But right wing politicians are less than enthusiastic.
Act's Deborah Coddington, who has only seen the toilet piece on television, is outraged.
"Art I think in most New Zealanders' minds is something that should be celebrated, not something we look at and say is the emperor wearing any clothes?" says Coddington.
Her view is shared by art commentator Hamish Keith.
"New Zealand art is peaking now and why do we have to represent ourselves with a donkey shut in a dunny," says Keith.
But Tweedie's work could be exactly what New Zealand needs; if nothing else it has stirred up emotions and got people talking.
Art commentator Jim Barr says, "This isn't the kind of work we are used to seeing in New Zealand. It has not got a clear statement, is very complicated and it's very emotional. When you see her work it brings big emotions."
In addition, the artist's fans say talk of the toilet is distracting as it probably will not even be in the exhibition going to Venice. |
