B.

There is a well-known Christchurch phenomenon, based on empirical observation, where approximately every two years a stream of young and talented artists abandons the 'city that shines' for the seductive attractions of northern climes. It is generally believed that they go in search of big city lights and seeking greater exhibiting opportunities and the artistic exposure that is apparently unavailable in the South Island.

Drift North features five such artists Christopher Braddock, Joyce Campbell, Simon McIntyre, Valerie Neilsen and Séraphine Pick. All are graduates of Canterbury University School of Fine Arts, who have now eschewed the southern regions for the bigger, better and brighter things available in Auckland and Wellington.

They are a group of artists who work in a variety of media including sculpture, installation and painting. There is variety also, in the length of time they have been away from Christchurch, their reasons for leaving and what they hoped to gain by moving.

Drift North explores these questions and considers what, if any, changes have taken place in their work as a result of their relocation and asks, finally, is it still possible to discern regional differences within contemporary art practice?

('Drift North', Bulletin, No.102, June/July 1996, p.3)

This exhibition was held at the McDougall Art Annex in the Arts Centre.