Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:13p.m.
Laura Frykberg
An exhibition that infuses poetry with art has launched in Auckland tonight.
Dominic Hoey, aka Tourettes, has teamed up with 10 artists to put his controversial poetry in to pictures.
Drawing attention to the meaning behind his work is how Hoey pushes the boundaries, and like British artist Banksy - who is a major influence - Hoey has something to say.
"You know, sex, drugs and diseases and you know, heartbreak, you know all the stuff that we go through," he says. "People don't seem to want to address it."
With lines like, "binge drinking away a heartache", Hoey's poetry has been labelled socially provocative - but he says this side of art and poetry needs to be seen and heard.
"There's like, pop with escapism, a lot of art as well. I think that's fine, but I think the other side should be presented as well. My work shows people want that too."
Exhibition organiser Charlie McDermott says the work is an honest look at urban Auckland life.
"It's something that we all relate to, that's what I think and that's what art is. You see something in yourself."
He calls it bold and provocative.
"People see through the advertising that goes on, and we get a lot of loyalty, because people go, 'Right, this is something that's speaking to me in a truthful and honest way.'"
With poetic phrases like, "dead cops all over third world streets", the truth can be hard to swallow.
But however it's interpreted, Hoey is sure the exhibition will stir emotions and encourage debate.
It runs at the Basement until November 29.
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