GARY LANGSFORD As I sit in Venice writing this, having just visited the Biennale and looking forward to Art Basel in Switzerland, I am reminded of how important it is for a commercial gallery to select exciting and interesting artists to present to the viewing public. It is gratifying to be in Venice and see works from a number of artists represented by Gow Langsford Gallery. This year there are glass pieces by Tony Cragg at Glasstress, a large sculpture by Bernar Venet in the grounds of Palazzo Franchetti on the Grand Canal and Katharina Grosse has a large installation work in the Arsenale. All three artists are represented in New Zealand by Gow Langsford Gallery. Although there are no New Zealand gallery artists at Venice this year, our artists have appeared in exhibitions in previous years. Judy Millar was the NZ commissioned artist in 2009, and Darryn George and Dale Frank have both featured at the Palazzo Bembo. It feels entirely appropriate to celebrate our represented artists in this publication which replaces the annual Spring Catalogue. Having two Directors in the gallery has made for interesting discussions over the years as to which artists we wish to represent. This gives us an eclectic range of artists as John and I have different preferences and areas of expertise. My degree in Fine Arts (sculpture) has given the gallery a strong focus on artists who work in three dimensions, while
4
John’s interest in Maori and Pacific art has provided the gallery with some extraordinary contemporary works in this area. We both share an interest in contemporary painting, and this is not confined to one aesthetic. Abstract painters such as Judy Millar, Sara Hughes, Max Gimblett and Simon Ingram exhibit alongside representational painters Dick Frizzell, Karl Maughan, Graham Fletcher and John Walsh. Some artists have been with the gallery since its inception in 1987 (Dick Frizzell, Karl Maughan, Michael Hight and Judy Millar) while others have joined the gallery recently (Graham Fletcher and André Hemer). Gow Langsford Gallery has launched the careers of many of New Zealand’s top artists, although not all have remained with the gallery. The same can be said for the staff. The people who own and run many of New Zealand’s dealer galleries got their start being employed at Gow Langsford Gallery. It is often disappointing to see an artist or staff member leave the gallery to continue their career somewhere else but it is also satisfying to see them succeed and realise that we have played a significant role in that success. I feel the gallery has never been stronger, both in its stable of artists, and its staff, each playing an extremely important role in the ongoing success of Gow Langsford Gallery. I wish to convey my gratitude to all the ‘team’ and trust we will all participate and enjoy our future successes.
Staff left to right: Kirsten Fitzsimons, Gail Hofmann, Shona Irwin, Gary Langsford, John Gow, Anna Jackson, Hannah Valentine, Priya Patel