Dr Philip Norman, Composer in Residence (Term 1 and 2, 2009)

In 2009, the Music Department welcomed Dr Philip Norman as our Artist in Residence in composition. Dr Norman worked with a talented group of girls who have a special interest in Composition.

Under the guidance and tuteluge of Dr Norman, the girls have had an incredible opportunity to better understand the art of music composition and production.

The girls' work was showcased to fellow students, parents and members of the Rangi community at a special evening in Term 3. 

Maria Walls -The Art of 'Unmastery'  Artist in Residence (Terms 1 and 2, 2009)

The Visual Arts Faculty Artist in Residence for 2009 was Maria Walls. Maria is currently working towards a Doctorate of Fine Arts. Within this, she is examining how, in New Zealand, much culture, including artistic production, has been informed by reproductions of ‘masterworks’ from overseas. She is establishing how, by examining these documents and reproductions,and processing them through a series of techniques, this ‘unmastery’ has currency in the setting of contemporary art practice. Maria utilises a range of media to produce artworks – including still and moving image, audio, other digital media, installation, writing and the internet.

Much Art Education pedagogy in New Zealand is based around this notion of following the tradition and practice of artist models, and at Rangi Ruru this is indeed the case. It is hugely topical and stimulating to have in residence, an artist who is examining the underlying philosophy of this practice and creating her own body of work in response to this.

When making a decision for an AIR for 2009, we wanted to open opportunities to extend the range of media and tools that our students use to make artworks.

Already we have those who work cross-disciplinary, into installation and multimedia outcomes. With this in mind we were thrilled that Maria, who is highly skilled in these areas, agreed to join us and participate in this teaching and learning opportunity for Rangi Ruru.

Maria has also been working with the students in class, helping to critique their work, extend ideas, and in Photography, to offer real practical tuition in digital and colour techniques.

I would like to thank the Rangi Ruru Trust, The Board of Trustees and the Management team for making this possible for the students, staff and artists.

Juliet Collins, CoF Visual Arts