‘My wallpaper is killing me... One or other of us will have to go’ - Oscar Wilde
An exhibition that explores the notion of wallpaper will open at the Fisher Gallery, Pakuranga on Friday 30 September 1994. The exhibition is held in conjunction with the Interior Design Guild, and has been generously sponsored by Vision Wallcoverings Ltd.
The aim of the exhibition will be to commission 15 invited participants to produces works that explore the qualities, themes and uses of wallpaper. The selection of participants focuses on Auckland-based architects, painters, photographers and sculptors. Each participant will be drawing upon the specific skills and techniques of their discipline. A range of contributors has been encouraged to give a diversity of approach within the exhibition.
The exhibition will be unique in terms of giving the invited participants an opportunity to create and apply a wallpaper design and/or explore aspects of wallpaper, in the production of artworks and installation pieces.
The function and status of wallpaper has changed over time. From early religious papers to imitations of more elaborate artforms (tapestries and murals) through to the arts and crafts movement, with its emphasis on the use of motif. Most recently wallpaper has been mass produced as an interior design and fashion product.
Modern designers of wallpaper include William Morris, Charles Voysey and Frank Lloyd-Wright. Artists who have explored the uses of wallpaper include Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Andy Warhol. In New Zealand, wallpaper features in the designs of the modernists and has been used by Colin McCahon amongst others.
The Wallpaper Show aims to extend the relationship between artists and the medium. It will provide an opportunity to explore issues of applied design, decoration, art history and interior design. It will also be an opportunity to examine wallpapers qualities, function and influence.
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→ The Wallpaper Show, 1994, publication