''Splash 2020" National Watercolour Exhibition

The annual Splash exhibition is a highlight of the New Zealand Arts calendar and a not-to-be-missed event. Two exhibitions, Splash 2020 and Ceramicus, each one an outstanding show, are combining again to present a treat for art lovers at the Academy Galleries in Wellington. This major art gallery is located in the heart of the city in the historic harbour office building at the entrance to Queens Wharf.

This year’s Splash 2020 guest is world renowned artist, Svetlana Orinko from Christchurch. Svetlana grew up in the Ukraine and inherited her artistic abilities from her father. She completed 10 years of studies at a rigorous classical old masters art education program in the Ukraine and immigrated to New Zealand with her daughter in 1992. Svetlana has enjoyed well deserved success and a growing reputation as one of New Zealand’s top watercolour artists and a valued teacher. She has won many awards and is known for her detailed floral compositions and skilful portraiture. Her style can be best described as Contemporary Realism. Her vibrant, masterly paintings promise to be a highlight of the show.

Splash 2020, the national exhibition of Watercolour New Zealand Inc., will feature over 300 paintings by professional and amateur artists from Whangarei to Invercargill. Exhibiting artists include the top names in New Zealand watercolour, among them Adrienne Pavelka, Svetlana Orinko, Jacky Pearson, Bernadette Parsons, Peter Coates, Wendy Masters, Brian Baxter, Richard Bolton, Alan Collins, Dianne Taylor, Sue Wild, Kimbra Taylor, Min Kim, Joy De Geus and Roger Daniell. Images of paintings from the exhibition, posted on Watercolour New Zealand’s facebook page, have attracted interest from art lovers around the world with likes from more than twenty countries. There will be a wide range of paintings to view in a variety of styles and all artworks will be for sale. The variety of style and price ranges will ensure that there will be works to suite all tastes. Many paintings will depict popular local and national scenery. Visitors who would like to watch watercolours being painted are welcome to watch as experienced artists demonstrate their skills. Demonstrations are scheduled for 1 - 3pm on weekends.

Ceramicus is an exciting ceramics collection featuring new and original works by members of the Wellington Potters’ Association with guest artist Debbie Pointon.

Splash 2020 + Ceramicus is where some of the best New Zealand art comes together to be enjoyed and to inspire. The show offers a feast for art lovers, an exhibition you won’t want to miss.