Untitled (bedroom) from Jerusalem series
Paul Johns, Artist
This is one of the
photographs
in our collection.
It was made in
Whanganui Region, New Zealand
in 2005.
See full details
Object Detail
About the Work
“I
love
the
soft
colours
in
this
photograph
and
how
it
portrays
the
peaceful
yet
somewhat
strange
atmosphere
of
the
convent
at
Jerusalem.
It
is
a
place
I
have
a
personal
connection
with.”
– Airini Beautrais, teacher and writer, for the Dec 2020 instalment of the My Choice exhibition series.
The artist spent time in Jerusalem and part of his time during his Tylee cottage residency June to October, 2005. His artist statement reflects the works made while visiting Jerusalem:
"The road to Hiruharama (Jerusalem) is a journey of stories, images and mystery, the spiritual and material aspects of which are interwoven and dependent upon each other to give us a unified whole.
Ideas derived from this journey make a reference to a great source of artifice and history to present a contemporary, selective, humorous and highly stylized interpretation of isolated information to create a depiction of an idea set within the confines of the images presented.
Living in a tin shed room adjoining the washhouse, I anticipated breakfast each morning and dinner at six in the Convent of St Joseph’s; amidst the laughter of early-morning conversation and the generous dinner cooked by the resident restorative painter, I was enlightened with knowledge in the way that everyone is a story teller and teacher.
Mythological symbolism is the raison d’etre for the figures featured. I depict a simplified view of current ideas and incident using a contemporary style and a personal philosophy.
The Rabbit Royale sits crownless; the Figure ½ G stands generous, and the River flows in the only way it can . . . to the sea."
– Airini Beautrais, teacher and writer, for the Dec 2020 instalment of the My Choice exhibition series.
The artist spent time in Jerusalem and part of his time during his Tylee cottage residency June to October, 2005. His artist statement reflects the works made while visiting Jerusalem:
"The road to Hiruharama (Jerusalem) is a journey of stories, images and mystery, the spiritual and material aspects of which are interwoven and dependent upon each other to give us a unified whole.
Ideas derived from this journey make a reference to a great source of artifice and history to present a contemporary, selective, humorous and highly stylized interpretation of isolated information to create a depiction of an idea set within the confines of the images presented.
Living in a tin shed room adjoining the washhouse, I anticipated breakfast each morning and dinner at six in the Convent of St Joseph’s; amidst the laughter of early-morning conversation and the generous dinner cooked by the resident restorative painter, I was enlightened with knowledge in the way that everyone is a story teller and teacher.
Mythological symbolism is the raison d’etre for the figures featured. I depict a simplified view of current ideas and incident using a contemporary style and a personal philosophy.
The Rabbit Royale sits crownless; the Figure ½ G stands generous, and the River flows in the only way it can . . . to the sea."
Measurements
Frame 598 x 598mm
Media
colour photograph
Description
Colour photograph of a dormitory bedroom with curtain tracks between the beds, floral bedspreads and a crucifix on one wall. A window with floral curtains illuminates the space. The wooden walls are painted mint green and the floorboards are bare except for a floral rug.
Credit Line
Collection of the Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui. Purchased, 2009
Collection Type
Permanent collection
Acquisition Date
22 Oct 2009