Family exhibition of new work!

There are few families in Dunedin which could between them organise group art exhibitions.

The Bellamy/Berry clan have done so; the Webbs and the Fersterer/Taylors might. A fourth group to prove that such an exhibition is possible is the Abbott/Verhoef family.

At Koru, Liz Abbott and Rudie Verhoef have been joined by Ruby Abbott Harris and Betty Abbott in a multimedia exhibition covering painting, pastels, photography, woodwork and felt clothing.

Despite the heterogeneity of the works they sit comfortably and cosily alongside each other, reflecting the harmonious mix of talents within a family.

Liz Abbott’s paintings and pastels are perhaps best known, and effectively illustrate the light and geography of the land around the family’s Blueskin Bay home.

Excellent conte work, such as Billowing clouds study, capture the strong crepuscular light in bold strokes and strong yellows and blacks.

Daughter Ruby is a future star; at 15, she has already won awards for her photography, and her nature studies in particular are very fine.

Betty Abbott’s felted jackets are impressive, created with finesse and resplendent in eye-catching tones of cyan and cerise.

These sit above the sturdy yet individualistic furniture created from redwood by Liz’s partner Rudie Verhoef, perhaps best exemplified by the largest work, an attractive chaise longue.

Review by James Dignan ODT 11/09/14 http://www.odt.co.nz/entertainment/arts/315502/art-seen-september-11