Blossoms of My Blood

Wishlist

Presented by Studio One Toi Tū

Free entry

Where & When

Studio One Toi Tū

25 January to 22 February

Full Schedule

Rated G

Visual Art
Show Type

Auckland Council's Proud Centres
Accessibility

All rooms and galleries are wheelchair accessible.
Ticket Info

Public opening Wednesday, January 24 from 5-7pm
External Links
- http://www.studioone.org.nz

Wishlist

Presented by Studio One Toi Tū

Free entry

Where & When

Studio One Toi Tū

25 January to 22 February

Full Schedule

’LOOK ME IN THE EYE AND TELL ME I’M NOT REAL’: VISUAL ARTIST ALEKSANDER FLOYD DEMANDS YOUR ATTENTION WITH HIS DISTURBINGLY FANTASTICAL FIGURES

Blossoms of My Blood art exhibition by Aleksander Floyd

For his exhibition at Studio One Toi Tū the artist looks deep into our inner psyche to expose shared truths.

Aleksander Floyd’s extraordinary new portraits are unreal in the true sense of the word. Not one of the figures in his arrestingly beautiful images actually exists in this world.

They’re all entirely fictional; made up of appropriated fragments: melded, painted, expanded and skilfully manipulated into shape by their creator to communicate hidden truths about humanity. No Artificial Intelligence involved, just Artistic Intelligence.

‘Blossoms of My Blood’, a line from the Calamus writings of Walt Whitman, is an immersive experience that explores the interplay between inner psyche and external projection. Investigating the fine and mysterious balance between unity and exclusion, acceptance and discrimination.

Showing at Studio One Toi Tū Ponsonby, Auckland from 25 January to 22 February 2024, the exhibition coincides with Auckland Pride Festival, 2024.

Through an autobiographical lens, Floyd sheds light on the narrative of multi-cultural solidarity and challenges prevailing patterns of prejudice.

Small fragments of found imagery (such as a hand or an eye) are woven, painted and expanded to become unique semi fantastical composited beings. Distinct body forms and personalities reference selected colours of the Progress Pride flag to explore feelings of difference. Because of their genesis and the artist’s own experiences, they resonate with intangible – sometimes unsettling – familiarity; plucking long-guarded heart strings, stirring memories and inspiring admiration and hope for a more blended, inclusive and harmonious future.

— Amanda Samuel, Freelance Journalist