Quixotic Aquatic

Quixotic Aquatic an exhibition of Aquatic creatures created with re-created materials
Taupō Museum galleries – Summer 2021 / 2022

QUIXOTIC implies a devotion to romantic or chivalrous ideals unrestrained by ordinary prudence and common sense.

Quixotic - Synonyms; idealist, idealistic, quixotical, romantic, starry, starry-eyed, utopian, visionary, absurd, imaginary, fanciful, impractical, dreamy, Utopian, impulsive, fantastical, impracticable, chivalrous, unworldly, chimerical

First there was ‘Re-cycle’, an exhibition of artworks created using bicycle parts, held to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge.

Then came the ‘Dog Show’! Celebrating the Chinese year of the Earth Dog this exhibition featured dogs created from re-cycled, repurposed materials. Alongside the artworks was a gallery set up especially for dogs to enjoy with low hung images of dogs favourite things likes sticks and bones and a photo booth for dogs. About 70 local dogs visited the exhibition and ‘Dog Show’ won the Museums Aotearoa, Service IQ 2018 award for the most innovative public programmme.

‘CATalogue’ followed with a gallery full of cat sculptures again created by the local community from re-cycled, re-used, re-purposed materials.

In 2020, flying in on the tail of NZ’s national covid lockdown came ‘Retweet’ where birds of recycled feathers flocked together.

These exhibitions have become an annual event in the calendar of a number of Taupo creatives who eagerly await the theme so that they can start thinking about their next re-cycled art project. The Artists involved range from hobby artists, children, professional artists or first timers inspired by previous exhibitions. These exhibitions are all inclusive with all entries (within reason) accepted for display.

Feedback from visitors to the exhibitions is always positive with many of the artworks creating laughter and fascination.

Quixotic Aquatic the fifth of Taupō Museums reduce, re-use, recycle, re-create exhibitions, invited participants to create artworks and sculptures of creatures, real or imagined, with an aquatic theme.
The use of quixotic in the exhibition title encouraged the artists and creators into imagining an underwater world of fun, weird and wonderfulness. The use of materials that would and should not be found in our oceans, lakes and waterways will also add a quixotical aspect while reminding us of the importance of keeping these important places litter-free.

Taupō Museum is open 7 days* from 10am to 4:30pm and entry is free to Taupō District residents with proof of address.

*Closed Christmas day.