Latest news with #EmmaHercus
Scoop
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Together By Emma Hercus
With kind wide faces and a washy layering of colour, Together by Emma Hercus reminds us that we are social creatures, bound to one another through shared conversation and a day spent giggling side by side, Kuaka flying above. Each canvas rendered with folkloric care, a charming naïvity and distinctly Aotearoa quality that Hercus uses to hold the breath of an intimate scene and nail it to the wall. A yearning to document our affections, to be wrapped up and absorbed by in years to come. Together centres on the scenes we share amongst friends. Amongst family. The warmth from your lover next to you in bed, the dance of after dinner dishes, and the hum of a communal flat in the evening. The moments where eyes meet over laughter that force our hand to a camera and are talked about fondly in reminiscence. Leading ponies around a paddock, lighting a secret shared cigarette. Eye-contact, joy, tears, touch, presence and shared silence. Hercus reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves, larger than tall Kauri trees and our long coastlines, something beating and belonging - community, family, and togetherness. Join us for the opening celebration on Friday evening, 11th July, from 6pm. Kindly sponsored by Almighty, Rock Ferry Wines, Newday Coffee, and Arobake. ARTIST BIOGRAPHY – EMMA HERCUS Emma offers glimpses into a whimsical world shaped by her rural upbringing and coastal surroundings. Her playful yet complex narratives are filled with relatable figures, native plants and animals, with a sense of care for Aotearoa's whenua and its creatures. Known for her distinctive figurative and naïve paintings, the Plimmerton-based artist builds up colour and texture through layers of pigment, often scratching back the surface to reveal a sense of history beneath. Emma's love of people—their stories, energy and shared moments—deeply informs her practice, as the characters she paints often echo aspects of herself. Vague memories, folklore, and everyday scenes emerge and intertwine in her richly embellished works. EXHIBITION DETAILS Together Emma Hercus 12 July – 2 August 2025 Opening Night Friday, 11 July 2025, 6pm Twentysix Gallery 26 Constable Street Omārōrō Newtown Pōneke Wellington Opening Hours Thurs/Fri 12 – 6 Sat 10 – 4 And by appointment
RNZ News
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
The close cultural favourites of indie country star Mel Parsons
'Post High Slide' from Ohinehou Lyttleton based singer songwriter Mel Parsons is one of several new songs released ahead of a tour of Aotearoa and Australia that kicks off Sunday March 25 in Poneke Wellington. That's just ahead of the Aotearoa Music Awards, where Parson's sixth album Sabotage is nominated for Te Tino Pukaemi o te Tau Album of the Year. And Mel's song '5432', from that album, has also just been announced as a finalist for 2025 APRA Best Country Music Song. Mel Parsons joins Culture 101 for 'Fast Favourites'. They include an annual music festival she can walk to - Port Noise - and a fellow artist who also grew up in Westport, Becky Manawatu. The cover artwork for Sabotage features paintings by a favourite painter, Emma Hercus (also up for an AMA for that artwork). Mel's "Instagram go-to when she needs a laugh" meanwhile is Tom Sainsbury. As for music: she's looking forward to Jeff Parsnips' album for children in June, and Otautahi's Mim Jensen is her pick of emerging musicians who are going to make an impact.
