Artistic Reflections on Human Fragility and Urban Change

On October 9, 2023, a trio of exhibitions opened across galleries in New Zealand, showcasing the profound interplay between human emotions and the evolving urban landscape. The featured artists—Anton Lambaart, Laurence Aberhart, and Murray Eskdale—each offer unique perspectives through their works, reflecting themes of fragility, nostalgia, and the relentless passage of time.

Exploring Human Condition Through Portraits

At the Moray Gallery, Anton Lambaart presents a series of portraits and nudes that, while appearing tranquil at first glance, delve deep into the complexities of the human psyche. His artwork resonates with the fragility of both the individual and the natural world. Lambaart captures the tension between mental stability and the stresses faced by many young men today, illustrated through the expressive features of his subjects.

In pieces like The Letter, the anxiety of the portrayed figure is palpable, inviting viewers to reflect on the pressures of modern life. The artist further expands this narrative by incorporating environmental symbolism. Works such as As the Water Rises and Dead Waters evoke concerns about ecological stability, culminating in the stark, post-apocalyptic vision presented in Stop. The brushwork in these pieces often retains a sketchy quality, most notably in Scarlet Warning, where dark undertones create a haunting backdrop that mirrors the subject’s internal struggles.

Capturing a Vanishing Landscape

At the Brett McDowell Gallery, visitors can immerse themselves in the photography of Laurence Aberhart, whose latest exhibition titled Aides Memoire spans nearly four decades, from 1980 to 2018. Aberhart’s photographs encapsulate the essence of New Zealand’s disappearing small towns and architectural heritage, often devoid of human presence. This approach emphasizes the structures themselves, such as early 20th-century buildings and masonic lodges, many of which are gradually being lost to time.

One striking image features a quirky tourist sign in Inglewood, humorously complemented by the towering silhouette of Mount Taranaki in the background. Aberhart’s focus on these vanishing elements serves as an archival record, showcasing the beauty and history of places that may soon be forgotten. Notable works include Lyttelton, the only color photograph in the exhibition, and View from Ridge Road, which poignantly portrays a dilapidated house perched precariously on a hillside above the lush Waikato Plains.

Modern Architecture Through a New Lens

Meanwhile, the RDS Gallery features the contemporary photography of Murray Eskdale, whose work shifts focus from the historical to the modern. Eskdale’s images highlight the intricate patterns and geometries of contemporary architecture, presenting a stark contrast to Aberhart’s more holistic approach. Through careful composition, he captures the interplay of lines—horizontals, verticals, and diagonals—transforming buildings into abstract forms.

Using photographic contact sheets, Eskdale introduces a black grid overlay to enhance the visual complexity of his work. His studies of structures like the former Marsden Point Refinery and Dunedin’s aging hospital underscore the transient nature of urban environments, drawing attention to how quickly new constructions age and change.

Both exhibitions, while distinct in style and focus, share a common thread in their exploration of ephemerality. Each artist invites viewers to contemplate the fragility of both human experience and the physical structures that surround us. As these exhibitions continue to draw crowds, they serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving both our memories and our environments in an ever-changing world.