First major solo show for Andrew Blythe

5 August 2009
Andrew Blythe, a self-taught artist whose work is represented in New York by the Phyllis Kind Gallery and in New Zealand by curator Stuart Shepherd, is having his first major solo show at the Satellite Gallery in Grey Lynn, Auckland from 13 to 24 August.

Entitled Strange Effigy, the show includes more than 20 works by the Auckland artist. Since 2000, Andrew’s passion for painting has been supported by Toi Ora Live Art Trust, a Grey Lynn Creative Space providing studio space and tuition for people with experience of mental illness.

Andrew has been exhibiting his work over the past six years but Strange Effigy is his first major solo show. Toi Ora has also produced a book to accompany the exhibition. It is a collection of his artwork interspersed with his poetry.

“Andrew’s artwork is often described as poetic and in fact, the title for the exhibition is taken from one of his poems,” says Erwin van Asbeck, Manager of Toi Ora Live Art Trust.

"In touch with my creative energy"

Andrew visits Toi Ora most days to paint, and also participates in the creative writing and life drawing classes. “I like to be in touch with my creative energy. I feel happier when I’m painting. I really enjoy it.”

Andrew has been painting and drawing since childhood. Artists such as Ernst, Dali, Dechamp and Rauschenberg made an early impression on him, along with the works of New Zealand artists such as Clairmont and Fomison.

A turbulent adolescence saw Andrew in and out of hospital. During this time he drew with pencil and Indian ink, as an expression of his experiences.

At the 2007 New York Outsider Art Fair, Stuart Shepherd introduced Andrew’s work to the Phyllis Kind Gallery, which offered to represent him and has sold a number of his works. Phyllis Kind is a legendary New York art dealer and a trustee of the American Folk Art Museum.

“This recognition from such an authority declares to the wider community that Andrew deserves respect as a contemporary New Zealand artist of international standing,” Stuart says.

The Strange Effigy exhibition provides a window into the world of this poetic artist. Copies of his book will be available for sale at Satellite Gallery and at Toi Ora Live Art Trust.