Chasing light exhibition

Three artists bring very different perspectives to the new exhibition at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery.

Marion Stutz, Steve Guthrie and Rowan Christopherson have distinctive yet complementary styles in this eclectic exhibition, which opened last Friday.

Stutz works mainly in oil on canvas and wood block. A self-taught artist, she returned to painting after a long hiatus in 2018, exhibiting in both solo and group exhibitions since 2020.

“Colour, open skies, clouds, seas and landforms are distinctive markers in my work,” she says. “I also love to explore the nuances of still life and portraiture.”

Steve Guthrie’s path to art was quite different.

“I am an artist by accident, taking up painting after a diving accident when I was 20 years old, which left me a tetraplegic,” he says. “I have limited movement in my arms and hands, but it doesn’t impede me from being able to paint. It’s something I can do independently, and I only need minimal assistance if I go painting outdoors.”

Steve likes to use heavy brushwork and tends to use lots of paint.

Rowan Christopherson uses words as part of her artistic style.

“Incorporating words in my art is very much a trademark for me,” she says. “The words are mostly song lyrics or pop culture phrases I hear or read. I want my work to trigger memories, introduce concepts, amuse, give visual pleasure and pay homage to other artists and musicians.”

Rowan is based in Whangārei. She has a degree in visual communication from Unitec as well as qualifications from Whanganui Polytechnic and Hungry Creek.

‘Chasing Light’ at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery, 45 Moir Street, Mangawhai, is open daily from 10.30am to 3.30pm (and from 9am on Saturdays) until Thursday May 29.