GIACOMETTI: Sculptures, prints and drawings from the Maeght Foundation
17 November 2006 – 25 February 2007
Touring Exhibition A, C & Borg Henry Galleries
View credits for above images and music »
Arguably the most important exhibition of 20th century sculpture to be seen in New Zealand, this premiere tribute to Alberto Giacometti (1901 - 1966) is showing exclusively at Christchurch Art Gallery.
Don't miss this rare opportunity to view the sculptures, drawings and prints of one of the greatest sculptors of twentieth century Western art. Renowned for his relentless investigation of the human figure and his unique and singular vision, Giacometti stands beside Picasso and Matisse as one of the towering masters of modernism.
For all their austere beauty, their gaunt isolation and their brooding presence, there lurks a vague sense of foreboding in Giacometti's figures, which have come to represent the complexity of the human condition.
This exhibition celebrates the power of the artist's imagination and creativity, and is loaned by the Maeght Foundation in France.
Admission $12 / $10 / children free
Exhibition organised by the Art Gallery of New South Wales and indemnified by the New Zealand Government.
Principal funder: The Tasman Charitable Trust
Sponsored by Strategy Design & Advertising and The Press
Supported by the Art Gallery of New South Wales President's Council & Qantas
Merchandise available at the Gallery Shop.
Giacometti events programme
ENCOUNTERING GIACOMETTI SYMPOSIUM
Sunday 10 December, 10.00am - 3.30pm, $25
An in-depth look at the life, works and times of Giacometti with several leading art historians and artists. Speakers include Terence Maloon (Art Gallery of New South Wales), Dr Raymond Spiteri (Victoria University), Dr Emilie Sitzia (University of Canterbury) and Greer Twiss (sculptor).
The symposium will be held in the Philip Carter Family Auditorium at the Gallery. To register, email ann.betts@ccc.govt.nz or telephone (03) 941 7342.
Find out more about the Symposium programme »
FLOORTALK
Wednesday 22 November, 6pm, admission charges apply
Giacometti: Selected Highlights
A floortalk of the exhibition with Felicity Milburn, the Gallery’s Curator of Contemporary Art.
Please meet the speaker in the exhibition.
LECTURES
All lectures are free, and will be held in the Philip Carter Family Auditorium at the Gallery.
Saturday 18 November, 1pm
Giacometti and Twentieth-Century Art
A lecture with Dr Jacqui Strecker, who coordinated the exhibition Giacometti for the Art Gallery of New South Wales.Wednesday 6 December, 6pm
Giacometti and the Maeght Foundation
Felicity Milburn, the Gallery’s Curator of Contemporary Art, discusses the French foundation which established the major collection of Giacometti’s works loaned for this exhibition.Wednesday 10 January, 6pm
Now the Void: Mystery and Myth in Giacometti’s Invisible Object
A lecture with British art commentator and author Dr John Finlay.Wednesday 17 January, 6pm
Sunday 21 January, 2pm
A Beginner’s Guide to Bronze Casting
A discussion with sculptor Trevor Askin about the stages and techniques used in the bronze casting process.Wednesday 31 January, 6pm
Giacometti and the Literary World
A lecture by Dr Emilie Sitzia of the Art History Department at the University of Canterbury.Wednesday 14 February, 6pm
Sculptor: Neil Dawson
Neil Dawson discusses his sculptural practice and some fundamental considerations associated with the making of his works.Wednesday 21 February, 6pm
Sculptor: Sam Mahon
Sam Mahon discusses the casting and making of The Southern Man, his life-sized bronze equestrian statue.
FILMS
All films are free, and will be shown in the Philip Carter Family Auditorium at the Gallery.
Wednesday 24 January, 6pm
What is a Head?
This filmprovides a behind the scenes visit to Giacometti’s small atelier in the Rue Hippolyte-Maindron in Paris. We hear anecdotal remarks from his close friends and associates and watch Giacometti at work in his studio (duration 64 minutes).Wednesday 7 February, 6pm
A Man Among Men
A film by Jean-Marie Drot featuring important interviews with Giacometti and in-depth insights on his works (duration 52 minutes).
TOURS
Guided Group Tours
Group bookings are invited for special guided tours of the exhibition. Great value!
A $10 fee covers admission, guided tour, and a coffee and muffin at Alchemy Café. Booking is essential, minimum of 12 people per group. To book or for further information, email ann.betts@ccc.govt.nz or telephone (03) 941 7342.Sunday 28 January, 2pm
Tour of Cultural Precinct Bronzes
Take an informal free tour of the sculptural works outside the Gallery and in various sites around the Cultural Precinct with Ann Betts, Public Programmes Officer at the Gallery.
Please meet at the Information Desk in the Foyer.
WORKSHOP
Saturday 10 February, 1-3pm
Giacometti: Gestural Drawing Workshop
A drawing workshop for adults with tutor Andrea Baker.
A fee of $12 applies (includes admission to exhibition). Please bring your own paper and drawing materials.
To register or for further information, email ann.betts@ccc.govt.nz or telephone (03) 941 7342.
Giacometti image credits:
- Ernst Scheidegger Monumental head, a sculpture which was part of the Chase Manhattan Plaza project 1960 (detail) Photos Ernst Scheidegger, © Neue Zürcher Zeitung 2006
- Ernst Scheidegger Giacometti working on one of the 'Walking man' sculptures, part of the Chase Manhattan Plaza project 1960 (detail) Photos Ernst Scheidegger, © Neue Zürcher Zeitung 2006
- Ernst Scheidegger Giacometti working on a figure that was supposed to serve as a partner figure for the completed 'Man pointing' 1953 (detail) Photos Ernst Scheidegger, © Neue Zürcher Zeitung 2006
- Alberto Giacometti Woman of Venice IV 1956 (detail) Marguerite and Aimé Maeght Foundation, Saint-Paul © Alberto Giacometti/ADAGP. Licensed by Viscopy, Sydney, 2006
- Ernst Scheidegger Giacometti working on one of the 'Walking man' sculptures, part of the Chase Manhattan Plaza project 1960 (detail) Photos Ernst Scheidegger, Neue Zrcher Zeitung 2006
- Alberto Giacometti Walking man II 1960 (detail) Marguerite and Aim Maeght Foundation, Saint-Paul Alberto Giacometti/ADAGP. Licensed by Viscopy, Sydney, 2006
- Ernst Scheidegger Giacometti working on one of the 'Walking man' sculptures, part of the Chase Manhattan Plaza project 1960 (detail) Photos Ernst Scheidegger, Neue Zrcher Zeitung 2006
Giacometti music credits:
- Philippe Lhommet, Oblongue
- Marc Olivier Dupin, Rainy Days
- (BMG Zomba Production Music)
