Peter J. Bruce has first one-man exhibition

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33611, 13 August 1974, Page 14

Peter J. Bruce has first one-man exhibition

Peter J. Bruce is showing prints at The Canterbury Society of Arts Gallery in his first one-man exhibition. Bom in 1953, Mr Bruce attended the University of Canterbury School of Art. His statement that his “paintings and sculptures question our very existence by the introduction of beautiful and forever non-existent bases of reference. And through some of his paintings he has a possible solution to the riddle of the universe (not creation)” is at best puzzling. References to space occur throughout the catalogue. The first four works, which appear as black lines painted on a white ground are described as "non-existant spatial sculpture” and no. 4 as incorporating our solar system.” Nos. 5,6, 7, and 8 incorporate various combinations of painted colours and the continued use of a thick black line. These also are described as “spatial sculpture.” Nos. 9 and 10, two polystyrene reliefs, are titled “non-existant spatial sculpture,” At this point the semantics of the titles begin to become apparent but the

spirit of the exhibition is perhaps best sumed up by the non-existence of two “non-existent” sculptures, one of which isn’t hanging from the ceiling and the other which is not to be found on the floor. A number of poor quality prints offer such exciting prospects for the future as “The sun will explode and consume the earth and a new era for Man will begin”. The exhibition will cease to exist on August 14. —G.T.M.