B.

Muka Studio

Behind the scenes

Muka Studio, Auckland's renowned lithographic workshop, closed on 3o September this year after operating for the past 25 years.

Frans Baetens and Magda Van Gils, the owner operators, collaborated with many artists over the years including John Reynolds, Gretchen Albrecht, Ralph Hotere and Tony Fomison. Fomison in particular took to the lithographic medium like a man possessed in the period between 1984 and 1986, producing more the 50 lithographic prints with Muka.

It's great to hear that Muka's impressive 135 year-old lithographic press (which weighs a staggering 7.5 tons) is to be relocated to a purpose built studio at the Southland Gallery where an artist's residency is also to be established.

Tony Fomison Tarawera Eruption 1986. Lithograph. Collection ofChristchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, purchased 1986

Tony Fomison Tarawera Eruption 1986. Lithograph. Collection ofChristchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, purchased 1986

Photograph of Tony Fomison working on a lithographic stone at Muka Studio which appears on the title page for his 1984 folio produced by Muka. Collection of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, purchased 1985

Photograph of Tony Fomison working on a lithographic stone at Muka Studio which appears on the title page for his 1984 folio produced by Muka. Collection of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, purchased 1985