Tragedies and Miracles

Golf can best be described as an endless series of tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle. (Anonymous)

Centuries ago, the Scots borrowed an ancient game of obscure origins from the Netherlands and called it golf. Subsequently developed into the game as we know it now and of course adopted worldwide, golf is not exactly a sport inasmuch as it is actually a ’gentlepersons’ game. Once an upper crust pastime, golf became increasingly popular in the mid-twentieth century when professional competitions flourished. Fast-forward to 2013 and golf is currently facing a downturn in participation in many locations.

As is the way with a number of competitive recreational hobbies and sports, golf ball technology over the past few decades has resulted in technologically advanced equipment, designed to hit newly engineered balls further and straighter, with less effort. By many accounts, while the techniques and abilities of professional golfers have become homogenised and competition has tightened, for Joe Average player – commonly known as a ‘hacker’ – the game has not become substantially easier. This is perhaps because the recent changes to a historic game that once demanded highly nuanced skills, has resulted in courses (and the time it takes for hackers to play a round) being lengthened. This comes at a time when our personal time and attention spans are decreasing and the demand for land has exponentially increased.

Tragedies and Miracles is an art exhibition predicated around this challenging and rewarding game. The installation features a selection of works by two Albert-Eden based contemporary painters. Denys Watkins’ watercolour paintings in this installation (all 2013) comprise a symmetrical selection of six works; based variously on course golf topographies, antique equipment and greens/fairways. Adrian Jackman’s digital compositions are studies for large paintings that were completed in the 2000’s. Jackman’s works in this selection range from golf course fairways to topographical landscapes taken from ‘Google Earth’ images of irrigation patterns.

At a time of change such as we face currently, it is fitting that a central theme of these collected works is that of two artists considering humanity’s challenges with managing time, work, leisure, and our impact on the land. And why not pick one of our most challenging pastimes as a subject for these investigations?

Tragedies and Miracles is the first exhibition in a series delivered at the Albert-Eden Local Board service centre in Dominion Road. The series, entitled Corridor Space, will feature a variety of exhibitions taking place from December 2013.

Tragedies and Miracles

30 November 2013 – 12 February 2014

Curated by Matt Blomeley

Corridor Space

Albert-Eden Local Board Service Centre

135 Dominion Road, Auckland