Public Art Talk V with Paul Dibble & Bob Jahnke
Paul Dibble MNZM has a very well-established sculpture practice and is particularly noted for the range of large bronze works which he has cast and installed over five plus decades. His works often include human forms and objects drawn from contemporary life. Three great examples are to be found in Frank Kitts Park, Moore Wilsons, and on the roundabout near the Airport. He is currently developing a major work for Featherston to match the wonderful monument which he created for installation at Hyde Park Corner to commemorate the lives of New Zealand soldiers lost in the First and Second World Wars.
Paul and his wife Fran will do a 'pour' at their studio to coincide with our visit and will talk about his bronze techniques, the challenges involved in developing works for public spaces, and the inspiration which informs the subject-matter of his work.
After this studio visit, and a stop for lunch, we will head to Massey University Palmerston North, to meet Bob Jahnke ONZM at his studio; another widely-recognised sculptor and the artist behind our work Spinning Top in Woodward Street. Bob is a Professor and Senior Lecturer at Massey University's Whiti O Rehua School of Art and was recognised in 2017 for his contribution to the arts. Primarily a sculptor, Bob is one of New Zealand’s leading contemporary Māori artists working in a range of media, including found objects, steel, light and lead. Of Samoan-German-Irish-Māori heritage, his work often explores political issues that face Māori people, the relationship between Māori and European colonisers and the impact of Christianity on Māori culture.
The visit will start at 10.45 am with the Dibble’s 'pour' planned for 11 am then the visit to Bob Jahnke at approximately 2pm. Guests will need to make their own way to Palmerston North and back, however we can help with car-pooling so please let us know if you would like to travel with others or need assistance with travel.
Our visit to the Dibbles is being kindly facilitated by Marcia Page at Page Blackie Gallery in Wellington.
If you are interested in joining us for this visit, please RVSP by 1 May to wellingtonsculpture@xtra.co.nz.
When: Thursday 17 May
Where: Palmerston North, studios of Paul & Fran Dibble & Bob Jahnke
Time: Arrive Paul & Fran Dibble's Studio 10.45am, depart Bob Jahnke's studio at 3.30pm.
For more information on Paul Dibble please visit: pageblackiegallery.co.nz/artists/paul-dibble/
For more information on Bob Jahnke please visit: sculpture.org.nz/the-sculptures/artists/robert-jahnke
Images above:
Top: Paul Dibble, Fruits of the Garden, Frank Kitts Park, Wellington
Bottom: Bob Jahnke, Spinning Top, Woodward Street, Wellington
