‘‘Style and Substance’’, various artists
(Dunedin Public Art Gallery)
IT’S still very much the new year hiatus for many local galleries, but as always the Dunedin Public Art
Gallery fills the gap with some memorable displays.
One of these is ‘‘Style and Substance’’. This exhibition has been an attraction at the gallery for some time, and contains many works which are wellknown parts of the permanent collection, but it is still worth taking some time to view.
The works are divided into specific genres: portrait, landscape, genre painting, still life, and the like, each of them exemplified by international and local works from across the ages. As is always the case with DPAG exhibitions, there is comprehensive description and annotation, both of individual pieces and of each genre, and many fine pieces are on display both from notable masters and less wellknown artists.
While the more famous names unsurprisingly attract the attention, many of the most eyecatching pieces are from artists whose names are not as widely remembered. Among the historical and religious works, a 16thcentury image by Johann
Rottenhammer stands out for example, and a charming double portrait by F.G. Waldmuller and a gentle domestic scene by Ernest H. Thompson also catch the eye.
The exhibition has been well thought out and curated, and is both a nice historical art journey and overview of the gallery’s collection.