Michel Tuffery’s display

Press, 18 May 1989, Page 14

Michel Tuffery’s display

“Woodcuts, lithographs, drawings” by Michel Tuffery at the C.S.A. Gallery until May 28.

In the C.S.A.’s Print Room are both an impressive exhibition and a polished display. Michel Tuffery’s woodcuts, lithographs and drawings give evidence of well-developed art skills and they also make conspicuous his blending of Pacific (Samoan) and European backgrounds. A graduate of Otago Polytechnic School of Art, 1988, this printmaker possesses dedication to style and commitment to a search for personal content that more mature artists could well envy.

Insects, centipedes and lizards, incorporated in patterns of flax, woven matting and shark-tooth designs are printed on tapa cloth with realistic and

strong rhythm. Formats of a church's stained glass windows and the "Three Crosses at Calvary” provide a European input. The prints range from stark black and white, through fawns and echrus to deep brown, and a series of colour reduction woodcuts, on the far wall, become bright heralds of ethnic design and hue. Number 5, “La’umei, Pa’a, Ula Sami, Faisua, Sa ua’e, Panea, Pea (turtle, crab, crayfish, shellfish, clam, sea eggs, bat)’’ is a particularly striking work. Also of note is Number 21, "Tasi (Book),” a carved outer cover in walnut with inner pages of bamboo-framed, handmade paper prints help to make this an exhibition of youthful enthusiasm devoted to fine art and craft skills.— PAT UNGER