By Jenny Suo
Earlier this year we did a story on acclaimed kiwi director Vincent Ward putting on his first ever art gallery exhibition.
Well the show proved such a success he's been invited to display it at one of the world's most prestigious art exhibitions in Shanghai.
Now all he needs to do is raise the funds to get there and he's got some high profile support.
Ward is exploring the human psyche with his art.
“I am interested in vulnerability and how we can exist in a world that’s changing so quickly and how we can stay human. I’m interested in the psyche and the states of mind.”
His mind is on the Shanghai biennale.
Part of the Shanghai International Arts Festival, it is one of the best known art events in the Asia Pacific region and Ward has been invited there to show his work.
“They’ve never ever had anyone from New Zealand and in this case they've given me a solo show for three months in a cathedral all to myself right in the heart of Shanghai.”
His work is quite unique.
“They’re these tall sink paintings. I photographed the paintings and printed them onto the silk, so they'll drop from the ceiling and there will be figures falling and floating.”
The plans are there, but the money isn't.
Ward needs $35,000 for the trip and his project has been endorsed by New Zealand film maker Taika Waititi and Robin Williams who he worked with on the 1998 film "what dreams may come".
“We’ve stayed in touch and when [Williams] comes to New Zealand he does a bad impression of my accent and we get along.”
Ward's work is currently on show at the TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre and the Gus Fisher Gallery at the University of Auckland.
Those who want to help can go to vincentwardfilms.com.
Ward has only two weeks left to raise enough money. Until then he's holding his breath.
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