Best in Show is an important ongoing Objectspace project that showcases outstanding new applied arts graduates from tertiary institutions around New Zealand. Best in Show 2012 is the eighth exhibition in this series, and features 18 emerging practitioners on the cusp of exciting creative careers. Areas of practice in Best in Show 2012 include graphic design, ceramics, product design, textiles, video art, contemporary jewellery and furniture.

The works of these bachelor-level graduates consistently display a level of polish. These works entail few compromises when it comes to materials, aesthetic decisions and other artistic concerns as they engage, spark curiosity or even surprise the viewer.

Some of the issues addressed by Best in Show 2012 include: the dominance of the computer; digital versus hand production; sustainability and upcycling; attachment to objects and collecting; and the relationship between production and consumption. While the concepts addressed by these makers are varied, a common thread is the passing of time, expressed through a sense of redundancy and loss, and the dilemma of obsolescence.

As well as offering the opportunity of what is for many their first public gallery exhibition following soon after their end of year graduate showcase exhibitions, Best in Show 2012 provides a valuable professional development opportunity for these young makers, and an exhilarating exhibition of fresh new talent for the public to enjoy. Best in Show can be a launching pad for outstanding new makers and designers. Objectspace is delighted that a number of previous Best in Show exhibitors have gone on to achieve national and international success. On show simultaneously in the Window Gallery is Talente: One Year On which presents the new work of five exhibitors invited to attend Talente 2011 in Munich, Germany, most of whom have also been Best in Show exhibitors.

Best in Show 2012 features graduates from: AUT University (Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau); College of Creative Arts, Massey University (Te Kunenga ki Purehuroa); Elam School of Fine Arts, The University of Auckland; Hungry Creek Art and Craft School; Otago Polytechnic (Te Kura Matatini ki Otago); School of Visual Arts, Manukau Institute of Technology (Te Whare Takiura o Manukau); Unitec Department of Design & Visual Arts (Te Whare Wānanga o Wairaka); Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design (Te Whare Takiura O Wikiriwhi) and Whitireia (Te Kura Matatini o Whitireia).

Makers:

Saba Aghahasan, Vanessa Arthur, Andrew Cheung, Rowan Dunford, Mike Furniss, Russell Goodman, Janetta Hayden, Lisa Higgins, Megan Lundberg, Gabrielle MacDonald, Briar Mark, Lynda McNamara, Claire McSweeney, Jacquelene Reid, Sophie Rzepecky, Leah Shao, Marcel Watson, Susan Wells

--

A publication for this exhibition is available to view or download here.