It offers a fascinating collection of artworks and artefacts from the Jones family, shedding light on the creative contributions of father David Jones and his three daughters — Rachel Hirabayashi, Amanda Griffin, and Sarah Jones.
The exhibition takes viewers on a journey through the rich visual legacies of four distinct artists, showcasing a wide range of artistic practices and perspectives. The works on display span from before 1974 to the present day, illustrating the enduring connection between generations of the Jones family and their commitment to art.
David Jones, a pioneering abstract landscape artist, is the central figure of the show. His career included notable exhibitions in New Zealand, Australia, and London, where he was part of an influential group of artists, including McCahon and Henderson. Despite his passing, David’s influence continues to resonate, and his works are being presented posthumously in his adopted home of Alexandra.
Alongside David’s contributions, the exhibition highlights the diverse talents of his daughters. Rachel Hirabayashi, a well-known figure in the Central Otago art scene, brings a deep connection to the region’s artistic identity. Amanda Griffin, a digital artist who recently relocated to the area, introduces a modern, technological approach to art-making, while Sarah Jones, a structural geologist working remotely from Cromwell, adds a scientific and analytical perspective to the mix.
Curator Judy Cockeram said the exhibition is not just a display of art, but a celebration of the familial ties that bind these artists. Curated alongside Kristy Baker’s book Sight Lines, it explores the connections between the artists’ works and lives, revealing how their individual practices intertwine. The show also includes poetry, adding another layer to the family’s artistic expression.
"For the show, we just put the works up on the wall so people could start making their own connections, between a father and his daughters and their connections with him.
"In the 70s he painted landscape art as a professional artist against the norm and was on the same ticket as many famous artists. He was portrayed as being alone and almost struggling against the world, but this shows he had the support of his three daughters."
Visitors to the exhibition will be immersed in the personal histories, creative practices, and enduring legacies of a family whose work has shaped the cultural fabric of Central Otago.
Operations manager at the Central Stories Museum & Art Gallery in Alexandra, Paula Stephenson, said she was proud to be part of the team presenting the exhibition.
"It celebrates two generations of of artists with strong links to Central Otago and Otago as a whole."
- "Grace, Poetry and Wit" opened on Tuesday night and runs until Sunday March 30.
graham.mckerracher@alliedpress.co.nz
