10 May 2011
What: A shop front art installation
Who: Auckland based artist Shannon Novak
When: May 11 – 18
Where: Real Groovy Auckland storefront window, 438 Queen Street
This music month will see the birth of an extraordinary new link between New Zealand visual art and music in the form of an art installation by Auckland based artist Shannon Novak called Symphonic Lineage.
The installation will be a storefront display at Real Groovy Auckland and is an abstract representation of how New Zealand music has evolved through time, social context, and physical format. The installation will stand as a symbol of national pride in all that those involved in the New Zealand music industry have done to build the reputation of New Zealand music both locally and internationally.
Novak is devoted to using geometric forms to represent his deep and abiding interest in the link between sound, colour, and emotion. Novak’s exploration began when the artist became a pianist at an early age taking his cues from both classical and modern schools of music and later composing and performing his own musical works. The years spent as a pianist, mirrors the years spent as a visual artist, but it has only been of recent times that these two paths have crossed resulting in unique and compelling studies into the link between sound, colour, and emotion.
Education has played a prominent part in the artist’s life. Novak worked as an Instructional Designer for a number of years designing instruction manuals on a range of topics for a variety of organisations. These incorporated graphic elements such as detailed technical drawings and diagrams that translated abstract concepts into easy to understand visuals. Academically, the artist was awarded the Master of Education degree with first class honours from Massey University in 2009. The sum of experiences gained through both his working and academic career has had significant impact on the direction and motivation behind his artistic career. Novak treats exhibitions as opportunities to provide individuals with ‘learning experiences’ optimised by works that use instantly recognisable shapes and colour.
For more information
Website: http://www.shannonnovak.com
Email: shannon@shannonnovak.com
Represented by Pierre Peeters Gallery (Auckland) and Creative Exchange New Zealand (Auckland).