Concrete is Ruth Cleland’s second solo exhibition of new and previously unexhibited works, currently on at Sumer Gallery.
Cleland is known for her photorealistic depictions of everyday subjects and scenes, with this exhibition exploring concrete flooring in locations and sites she regularly encounters. The works are more than representations of concrete, but a collection representative of equanimity, eliciting a state of quietude within the viewer.
This body of work shows a subtle but significant development in Cleland’s practice, whereby more emphasis has been placed on the interrelationship between her gridded paintings and photorealistic concrete floor depictions, and how they respond to one another. As in previous works, this exhibition continues Cleland’s ‘sustained inquiry into image and grid—of subject, time, and value—as she traverses the hyperreal and abstract.’
Sofia had a kōrero with Ruth about Concrete, as well as her practice and process more generally.
Alag is artist Tarika Sabherwal’s first solo exhibition at Season Aoteaora.
The title itself has a double meaning, by which it can be read as either alāg, as in the Hindi word for separate, apart, parted, or different; or a lag, as in a lag in communication or a glitch in some sort of system.
The images are drawn from Hindi iconography, continuing a theme in Sabherwal’s practice of exploring and reimagining well-known motifs, as seen in paintings of horses and felines, for example.
The works show a continuation of a side of Sabherwal’s practice which uses an airbrush tool to paint onto raw canvas, creating a dyed effect and bold contrast.
Sofia had a kōrero with Tarika about her practice and Alag.
A reported 131,000 submissions were made on the Regulatory Standards Bill.
The Bill, proposed by the ACT party, includes a set of principles outlining “responsible regulation.” Notably, it does not include any mention of either version of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Last weekend, hundreds of Destiny Church members marched on Queen Street in a rally that they called “in defence of faith, flag, and family.”
And the Labour Party has criticised the framing of a poll question by the Taxpayers Union/Curia on whether or not Cook Islanders should retain automatic New Zealand citizenship.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden asked Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about all of these topics.
For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about the Regulatory Standards Bill, last weekend's Destiny Church protest, and the Taxpayers Union-Curia Poll on Cook Islands Citizenship.
For International Desk, they spoke to 95bFM reporter Sanat Singh about Zohran Mamdani’s all-but-confirmed primary win that has made him the Democratic nominee for the New York City mayoral race.
For this week’s City Counselling, Producer Sara spoke with Councillor Shane Henderson about the council’s emergency preparedness plans for the disabled community, and the proposals for flood mitigation at the Takapuna Golf Course
She also spoke with far-right extremism expert Byron Clark about last weekend’s Destiny Church protest
Finally, she spoke with University of Auckland doctoral student Tom Wilkinson about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, in light of tensions between Israel and Iran.
Zohran Mamdani has all but won the Democratic Primary in New York City after key competitor Andrew Cuomo conceded the race.
Mamdani will now be the Democratic candidate for New York City mayor.
His campaign was built on cost-of-living, where Mamdani presented himself as an authentic, Democratic Socialist, grassroots campaign leader.
Wire Host Caeden spoke to 95bFM reporter and South Asia correspondent Sanat Singh about Momdani’s win, what this means for the communities he represents, and where to from here.
95bFM 
