Govett-Brewster Art Gallery Bloom: mutation, toxicity and the sublime 13 December 2003 – 26 February 2004 Curator: Gregory Burke Govett-Brewster Art Gallery Contemporary Art Museum Private Bag 2025, New Plymouth New Zealand Tel + 64 6 759 6060 Fax + 64 6 759 6072 mail@govettbrewster.com http://www.govettbrewster.com Image: Motohiko Odani Rompers (video still) 2003 The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery is pleased to present Bloom: mutation, toxicity and the sublime, the most exciting contemporary art event being staged in New Zealand this summer. Bloom brings together a group of thirteen artists who in diverse ways examine the impact of scientific progress and experimentation on both nature and human consciousness and the representation of this theme in popular culture. At its most straightforward, Bloom introduces audiences to the compelling and disturbing topic of the relationship of the human condition to the natural world with specific reference to such issues as environmental exploitation, genetic manipulation, mutation, deformity, disease, toxicity, intoxication and the development of artificial intelligence and virtual reality. By grouping works by these artists the exhibition aims to examine contemporary notions of the sublime in an era characterised by increasing political debate surrounding humanity’s environmental and ethical responsibilities as the dominant species on the planet. While artists have long broached moral and political concerns over such responsibilities Bloom collects responses from artists who approach the issue from a more philosophical perspective. Participating artists are Hany Armanious, Christine Borland, David Hatcher, Tamami Hitsuda, Eduardo Kac, Denise Kum, Jun Nguyen-Hatsushiba, Susan Norrie, Motohiko Odani, Saskia Olde Wolbers, Patricia Piccinini, Magnus Wallin and Boyd Webb. Accompanied by a full colour catalogue Generously supported by Vidcom