Culture

Hello and welcome back to all to Dunedin students. I implore you to discover and engage with the unique cultural environment that Dunedin has to offer.

Earlier this year, the Tenancy Tribunal ruled that artist Larry Matthews could not open his small art gallery {Lagniappe} Lanyop to the public until a settlement was made with the building’s former landlord, an occurrence that is both frustrating and outrageous.
 
{Lagniappe} Lanyop takes its name from a French-Cajun word meaning ‘a little something extra for nothing’. The gallery space (also Matthews’ residence) is situated behind Mou bar on George Street. This building is in a state of disrepair, with the property’s management failing to address Matthews’ concerns.
 
Given permission to paint one of his rooms, Matthews then painted the room black and place art inside it. Since opening, Lanyop has, predominantly by word of mouth, become a renowned way in which to experience art. Only operating when the sun was down, it emphasised intimacy by displaying works by candlelight and encouraging an interactive and multi-sensory environment, making it one of the best galleries I have ever been to. I love Lanyop because, directed by the sound of Matthews playing his piano, I am entering into someone’s house and have the opportunity to view art that has been made purely for the love of creation.
 
The way in which Matthews has been treated seems incomprehensible and unjust. Essentially he is not allowed to invite people into his house. I don’t understand how this could be legal and feel it’s disgusting that the callous bureaucratic Tenancy Tribunal could let something like this happen. It’s as if the arts community is continually overlooked, not given the support it needs to survive. However, whatever the fate of Lanyop, with the recent openings of A Gallery and Rice and Beans gallery spaces, it is hoped that such incidents will not reoccur.
 
- Hana Aoake
 
Exhibitions this week:
A GALLERY, 393 Princes Street
We will all burn in hell - Matt Wilson, Sam Ovens, Merrin Sinclair, Lewis Stanley, Denzil Funraiser and Jay Hutchinson.
 
BLUE OYSTER GALLERY, 24b Moray Place
Interfaces - Molly Samsell, Anisotropy -Alexandra Kennedy, 4:00am Tondo Rondo -Catherine Hodson and Antoinette Wood
 
BRETT MCDOWELL, 1 Dowling Street
Four new works - Martin Thompson
 
DUNEDIN PUBLIC ART GALLERY, 30 The Octagon
Portraits - Frances Hogdkins, Pretty vacant, John Ward Knox, Cut Collective, Pieces of eight, Fieldwork - Eugene Hansen and Andy Thompson, Black watercolour, 2010 - Simon Morris, A La Mode - Early nineteenth century plates from the collection.
 
MILFORD GALLERY, 18 Dowling Street
Status update - Mark Blake, Large Works
 
MODAKS CAFE, 337 George Street
Still love - Lomo McSquirrels, Jessie Robertson and Bromwyn Wallace.
 
NONE GALLERY, 24 Stafford Street
On the edge of the alphabet - Emma Chalmers
 
RICE AND BEANS 2nd floor, 127 Lower Stuart Street.
Lux Lux Lux - Gabrielle Arturo