HOROSCOPES

ARTS + CULTURE HOROSCOPES HOROSCOPES: MISS PEARL NECLIS – what your stars hold for October

Aquarius (the Water Carrier) 21 January - 19 February Taking a break from your self can be a funny idea. But it’s definitely what you need. Listen to yourself and you’ll understand what everyone is saying. Take a step back and there will be lots of willing hands to take the strain. Pisces (the Fishes) 20 February - 20 March Don’t take offence if someone points out that you’ve been missing something in your life. If help is offered take it. Spending time alone isn’t always good for you. If invitations are forthcoming then take advantage of having a full calendar. Aries (the Ram) 21 March - 20 April Make sure everyone that strays into your orbit leaves with a memory of what a good person you are. It won’t be too hard as you have a reputation that precedes you. You have this ability to make everyone feel special. Keep it up.

Taurus (the Bull) 21 April - 21 May Whatever goals you have in your sights seem more in reach than ever before. There’s not much that phases you right now. In fact, now is the time to tackle any difficulty in your life that has been bothering you. Gemini (the Twins) 22 May - 21 June Let it out. If your feelings come to the surface with more regularity than usual this month then let the tears flow. For some people the release can be very productive. If you lighten your load you could end up being a lot more productive. Cancer (the Crab) 22 June - 22 July It won’t matter how distracted you get, you’ll never lose focus on what’s most important to you. You’re able to deal with most obstacles that litter your path, but occasionally you do need a little help. If it’s offered then take it.

Leo (the Lion) 23 July - 21 August Sharing a burden is usually the right way to go but you’ve been reluctant to do that recently. Just look at yourself with more depth and see if you can help yourself this time. Get in touch with yourself again and enjoy what you find. Virgo (the Virgin) 22 August - 23 September If you’ve felt distracted this month, it’s because you have a special day coming up. The excitement is building. But you don’t want a fuss. You should let yourself be heard before things get out of hand. Libra (the Scales) 24 September - 23 October You might not want to allow your power to be discovered this month as you’re feeling quite vulnerable at the moment. The power you have of course is empathy and there are people about who would take advantage.

Scorpio (the Scorpion) 24 October - 22 November Being direct has never been a problem for you but you have to be careful where feelings are concerned. When the shoe is on the other foot you need to be ready, for criticism as you well know can be quite cutting. Sagittarius (the Archer) 23 November - 22 December It’s time to rediscover old pleasures that you used to have loads of fun doing. You’re never too old to enjoy yourself. Don’t worry about those close to you mocking the fact that you’re revisiting the past. Enjoy yourself. Capricorn (the Goat) 23 December - 20 January You seem to be building an environment of comfort for yourself at the moment. Financially you’re okay but emotionally you seem to be lacking. You’re not quite sure what’s missing but creating a stable home environment is a big start.

MARCUS HIPA: NATIVE PRACTITIONER AT SCOTT LAWRIE GALLERY

On now until 15 October, Marcus Hipa’s powerful and bold paintings are unflinching in their focus on the history and culture of his native Niue.

Using a unique style that combines the energy of raw anime with exquisite draughtsmanship, and the ambitious scale of the socialist mural painters such as Diego Rivera, he pulls no punches with his style or subject matter.

Large scale, raw canvases are hung on brass eyelets – embodying painting as objects rather than mere illustrations (a subtle protest in itself about the use of ‘established’ mediums) complete with a style of draughtsmanship that’s both exciting, energising and invigorating.

This focus on manual labour, climate change, and cultural history is inherent in each work in the show - combining stories and mythologies from his spiritual home, always with reference to the crushing shadows of colonialism in the background. It’s a knockout debut show with the gallery for a young artist punching well above his weight with ambitious and extraordinary works.

This is Marcus’s first solo show with the gallery, and he’s already focused on the next one, so come and discover why he’s making such a splash.

Open Tuesday to Saturday 11am-5pm, until 15 October. All welcome!