B.

Off Centre was organised in 1993 for the Centennial of Suffrage in New Zealand, which was a time to reflect on the work and success of women in our society. As part of the celebrations for this anniversary, Off Centre brings together the work of 27 artists from regional areas in the lower South Island. Contemporary art works from emerging and established women from different age groups and backgrounds have been included, with a selection which encompasses painting, drawing, printmaking and sculpture.

The exhibition has a regional emphasis focusing on the work of women who generally work independently of main centres. The show concentrates on women producing work as an expression of self-identity and whose work serves as a personal response to their regional background and/or present circumstances. While there is a considerable variety of styles in the show, there is a strongly expressive quality in the work.

This exhibition has been jointly curated by the Aigantighe Art gallery and the Eastern Southland Gallery, Gore and is being toured and promoted by these galleries with the assistance of the Southern Regional Arts Council and Pope Print, Timaru.

Elizabeth Caldwell will give a floortalk about Off Centre on 15 May in the main gallery.

('Off Centre: Contemporary Art by Regional South Island Women', Bulletin, No.89, April/May 1994, p.1)