Kate McLeod’s solo art show Capture and Release will run from October 14th - November 4th, 2023, at Rei Art Gallery in Lyttelton.
McLeod will be in residence at Rei Gallery each day for conversation and will also be creating an artwork that develops throughout the show. (Except 25 Oct, 29 Oct, 2 Nov).
The gallery open hours are Weds - Sun 11am-2pm. Entry is free. All welcome. Also available by appointment, email hello@katemcleod.art.
Rei Art Gallery is on 10b Norwich Quay, Lyttelton, down Robert Forbes Lane, next door to Hope River Pies. Hope to see you there.
About Capture and Release
McLeod explains: “Each year I choose a one-word intention. This year’s word is ‘release’. Release represents several things: releasing those things that no longer serve me; releasing my creations into the care of others; releasing predisposed assumptions; releasing the viscous paint across the surface of the canvas; releasing the breath caught deep in my chest.”
“This habit of setting a one word intention started a few years back when I became disillusioned with setting the same long list of New Year’s resolutions each year (and not achieving them). So now I set a one-word intention, to simplify and focus on what I want to improve. Release was a response to a feeling of blockage I had. Painting is the way through for me. Because on the other side of the struggle there is flow. Some days it comes fast. Some slow. Some not at all. Flow is elusive but the more I train the more I find it”.
“My painting practice grounds me in the physical, grounds me in nature. Setting an intention for each artwork is an important part of my process. It’s the process that keeps me coming back for more. The process of putting energy to canvas and creating a new reality that didn’t exist before. Energy captured as a tangible moment in time.”
“I make a mark, then wait for its response. Painting is a two-way conversation. It’s like a giant puzzle that needs to be solved. The challenge of solving the puzzle keeps me coming back for more. Capture then release. Capture then release.”
About Rei Gallery
Rei is a Māori owned and operated gallery under local mana whenua Kāti Wheke, located in the Whakaraupō bay. Rei is a collective of artists who are committed to pushing boundaries, generating conversation, and creating new possibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Kaiwhakairo at the Whakaraupō Carving Centre Damian Mackie explains: “We're excited to host the very first solo show at Rei. Kate is a founding member of the collective and we’re drawn to her work because of its depth and breadth, and its strong connection to nature.”
Mackie continues: “Kate was a natural choice not only because we want to empower the wāhine toa of Ōtautahi, but also celebrate the positive relationship between Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti. Kate has studied at our kura, and is currently studying level 3 & 4 Te Reo at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. We hope this will be the first of many shows celebrating both Maori and pākehā artists.”
Find out more about Rei Art Gallery.
Or email hello@katemcleod.art for more information.
Capture and Release runs from the 14th Oct - 4 Nov at Rei Art Gallery.
Open Weds - Sun 11am-2pm. Entry is free.
Rei Art Gallery is located on 10b Norwich Quay, Lyttelton, down Robert Forbes Lane, next door to Hope River Pies.
All welcome. Also available by appointment, email hello@katemcleod.art.