&<8220;WANDERER&<8221;
Paintings and prints by Peter Lendvai at LeSA (28 Aug &<8211; 19 Sept)


This exhibition is a collection of Peter&<8217;s latest works, which works have been made since his arrival to New Zealand with his research scientist wife. Originally he is a qualified graphic artist and secondary school art teacher possesses wide knowledge of different graphic techniques, art history and artistic anatomy. His rich technical knowledge and approach together with his open-minded, easy-going personality reflects through his art works using lino cut and screen printing techniques along with brushes and oil paints for his paintings.

On his paintings he tried to capture the remarkable colourfulness of Tongariro National Park. The mesmerizing beauty and the mystery of these volcanic landscapes show through his paintings.

His interest in human faces, masks and magical/ritual idols goes back to his University years. Faces and hands, masks and movements are his returning symbols and he has been using them on his graphics, as well as in his glass objects. He found Maori motive system very unique and rich; therefore he feels privileged to be able to observe them in their origin beauties. Finally the characteristic symbols have slowly emerged in his art works.

After a successful whale watch trip in Kaikoura, his attention turned towards these magnificent, endangered species, the kings of seas and animal kingdom. The closeness of the South Pacific Islands and theirs rich motives and sign languages touched him too. The native and unique forms, signs and motives easily built in his works after long hours of studying, examining and researching them. The endangered whales and baleens with the vanishing tattoo motives on their backs can draw people&<8217;s attention to our fragile and unique World and the sad and slow disappearance of Pacific cultures and environments. Through his works he feels part of conservation and the inheritance of these priceless values for the next generations.

&<8220;In silence in the deep silence of part of the world unknown
I write my poetry which is at once this side of writing and outside
the grooves of habit
the adulation of fools.&<8221; (from &<8220;My poetry&<8221; by Lajos Kassák)
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