Welcome to the January 2009 newsletter from rebeccaswan.com

Well last year I had 5 exhibitions, and this year I have another 5 scheduled.  Assume Nothing, commissioned by TheNewDowse, is touring around 4 public galleries.  Fabricated Truths is showing at Whitespace, who is now representing my work in Auckland.  So if you are anywhere in New Zealand this year there’ll be one of my exhibitions not too far from you.

The Auckland exhibition of Assume Nothing opens 23rd January and has one brand new photograph, never seen before and some stunning new footage of artist Shigeyuki Kihara at her solo exhibition at the Met in NYC. 

The workshops run by The Human Rights Commission have been extremely successful running during the exhibition.  See below for workshop details at MIC Toi Rerehiko  Jan 30th and 31st.

ASSUME NOTHING - CELEBRATING GENDER DIVERSTIY

Assume Nothing is a challenging and sensitive exploration and celebration of the intimacies, complexitites and nuances of gender diversity. The exhibition features a stunning series of portrait photographs by Rebecca Swan and eight short films and a feature documentary by award-winning film maker, Kirsty MacDonald.

“Ola, Aitu, Mauli, the inner person” Mixed media and photography by Rebecca Swan and Shigeyuk Kihara 2007
The Assume Nothing photographic works are represented by Mark Hutchins Gallery, at 216 Willis Street, Wellington http://www.mhgallery.co.nz

TOURING EXHIBITION DATES

AUCKLAND
MIC Toi Rerehiko- 321 Karangahape Road
23rd January - 19th February
Opening night 23rd January 6pm
Artist’s talk February 17th 8pm
Human Rights Commission workshops, January 30th and 31st.
http://www.mic.org.nz

PALMESTON NORTH
Te Manawa- 326 Main Street
28th February - 7th June
Artist floor talk and photography workshop March 14th
Human Rights Commission workshops April 18th and 19th.
http://www.temanawa.co.nz

CHRISTCHURCH
Canterbury Museum- Rolleston Avenue
July 4th 2009- 6th September 2009
Human Rights Commission workshops (dates to be confirmed)
http://www.canterburymuseum.com

HAMILTON
Waikato Museum- 1 Grantham Street
31st October- 14th February 2010
Human Rights Commission workshops (dates to be confirmed)
http://www.waikatomuseum.org.nz

THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION WORKSHOPS at MIC Toi Rerehiko

Workshops presented by the Human Rights Commission & trans people

Friday 30 January:             7 – 9pm
TransVocalsharing our stories builds our community
- a dialogue session for trans people, their families and friends
Using Rebecca Swan and Kirsty MacDonald’s images as a starting point, trans people will talk about the power of sharing stories and using creativity to express their gender identity, in ways that bring the Transgender Inquiry recommendations to life.  Trans poets, filmmakers, artists and performers will be invited to participate. 

Saturday 31 January:        1 – 3pm        
Young and Transworking positively with trans youth
This workshop is specifically tailored for youth workers, guidance counsellors, health professionals and others working with young people.  It focuses on creating schools, youth groups and health services that are positive, inclusive and safe for trans youth.  The workshop will be led by guest speakers who work with trans youth and young people who identify as trans.

Saturday 31 January:        3.30 – 5.30pm          Trans 101 an introduction
Trans 101 is for people who want to understand more about the issues faced by transgender and transsexual people.  It is a fun session with a panel reflecting the diversity of trans communities.  Bring along your questions. What do all the different terms mean? How can I support a trans workmate or family member? Hear about the Human Rights Commission’s Transgender Inquiry, and ways you can support its actions and recommendations.

All sessions are FREE and take place at MIC Toi Rerehiko, Level 1, 321 Karangahape Road. Spaces are limited so please book with Julie Watson on juliew@hrc.co.nz or (09) 306-2651
 

FABRICATED TRUTHS

Recent mixed media and photography work
Whitespace - 12 Crummer Road, Ponsonby
17th February- 7th March
Opening night and Art Crawl 17th February 5.30- 7.30
http://www.whitespace.co.nz/coming.php

This new series explores what it means to reveal the essence of oneself to another. The passion of discovery, the tenderness of vulnerability, the desire to be seen, the minutiae of domesticity, the isolation of jealousy, the fear of risk, the peace of trust, the limits of attachment, the transcendence of the physical.

ARTCRAWL

Newsletters

If you would like to read earlier newsletters, you can on:
http://www.rebeccaswan.com/newsletters/jan08.htm
http://www.rebeccaswan.com/newsletters/apr08.htm
http://www.rebeccaswan.com/newsletters/aug08.htm

If you would like to register a friend for the newsletter go to:
http://www.rebeccaswan.com/contact.php

So that's the latest news for now, thanks for your interest.
I'll write to you again in a few months.

Rebecca Swan