What was once the largest commercial gallery space in Newmarket will now become the largest in the city as the Studio of Contemporary Art (SOCA gallery) re-opens its doors to the public in the rapidly flourishing creative area of Newton. After 12 years of operating in Newmarket, SOCA gallery has committed to custom designing and developing over 400 square meters of gallery space at 74 France Street, Newton. The inaugural exhibition selected to open the Newton gallery is by one of the most interesting contemporary figurative artists – Barry Ross Smith. With three previous sell-out exhibitions, Barry has a large following for his work and this has been an eagerly awaited show for all.
“We wanted to move away from the White Cube trend that architecturally supported some of the dogma around art galleries that make people anxious if not intimidated when walking into a sterile environment. The key concept behind the new SOCA gallery was to create an interesting space that will allow for an element of discovering art and taking time with it.” Says Charles Tongue, new director of SOCA gallery.
Owners Charles Tongue and Ana Ivanovic-Tongue together have over 18 years of experience in the art world and are pleased to be continuing to provide their expertise in fine arts to their clientele in a new and upcoming creative pocket of the city. SOCA, which is proudly one of the founding members of the Contemporary Fine Arts Dealers Association of New Zealand (CFADA), will be situated in an area amongst designers, architects and artistic talents alike in Newton.
Barry Ross Smith’s artworks tackle the idea of what is widely know as quintessentially New Zealand and given time offers a possibility of multiple interpretations characteristic of all outstanding art. The title of the show “Interior Landscapes” will feature Barry’s most recent works from May 25th – June 9th at the SOCA gallery in Newton. For further information and to view these works online these please visit: www.soca.co.nz
Following Barry’s exhibition SOCA gallery will feature a strong exhibition schedule for 2006 that will include Cristina Popovici, a 2003 recipient of the Artist of the Year Award in Centre of Contemporary Art (Christchurch) and strong new additions in Donna Demente and Simon Kennedy.
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