Michael Hight From Waimarino to Red Jacks / 11 August - 4 September 2010

John Leech Gallery is excited to present an exhibition of new paintings by Auckland artist Michael Hight.

Hight's name has become synonymous with crisp naturalism, and, more specifically, with the photorealistic depiction of beehives. 
In this new body of work the majority of the beehives depicted are almost overwhelmed by their surroundings and the atmosphere that each environment conveys. Far from picturesque, many paintings display dilapidated buildings and railway carriages, stat ion wagons and cars in states of disrepair that are echoed by the ragged paint of the hives that nestle close by.
By manipulating subject matter in this way Hight creates multiple narratives with his work, their lack of inhabitants - despite the clear evidence of at least historical human presence - lending a sense of eerie desolation, of silence and desertion.

With exquisite depictions of often overlooked details, Hight's painted style is by no means as straightforward as simple reproduction of the visible world, rather he brings a new and unexpected gravity to even the most commonplace of objects and locales.

Please contact the gallery for more information info@johnleechgallery.co.nz 09 303 9395