By Helen Martin
Colin and Jeff with one of their collaborative works.
Held at artHaus in Orakei, this February/March exhibition was the result of a collaboration between 2019 Mâpura Studios Wallace Trust Scholarship winner Colin Harris (Mâpura is “a creative space that provides programmes and activities in visual arts practice, creative expression, dance-movement, music and art therapy for people living with disability and diversity”) and renowned Hel- ensville sculptor Jeff Thomson, a combined effort springing from their friendship.
The 21 works featured Colin’s paintings, drawings and prints, all inspired by his interest in comics. With the exception of a series of free-standing heads in wood, Jeff enhanced Colin’s works with corrugated iron frames, weavings and roofing products such as ridge caps. The fruitful result demonstrated the potential pos- sible when two artists coming from very different practices put their heads together.
Profiles of the artists can be found at www.mapurastudios.org.nz/news/2019/3/13/artist-profile-colin- harris (Colin Harris) and www.jeffthomson.co.nz/bio/ bio1.php (Jeff Thomson).
