![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/B2BJis9IW9v-Gtfg.jpg\")
Fiona Clark, Drifting at Mangaotuku Road, South Taranaki, 28 March 2026. Courtesy of the artist and Lett Thomas, Auckland. Photo\/Supplied.<\/p>\n
Press Release \u2013 NPDC<\/p>\n
Fiona Clark, Drifting at Mangaotuku Road, South Taranaki, 28 March 2026. Courtesy of the artist and Lett Thomas, Auckland. Photo\/Supplied.<\/p>\n
\nA new exhibition opening at NPDC\u2019s Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre on 8 August brings Taranaki, New Zealand and international artists together to examine the economic and social legacies of the energy sector\u2019s presence in the region.<\/p>\n
Through video, photography, sculpture and installations, Economies of Deferral examines the past four decades of the industry, exploring what happens when development slows, industries retreat and communities are left to carry the consequences.<\/p>\n
Central to the exhibition are works from the archive of Urenui-born video maker Darcy Lange, whose video Lack of hope: Co-op a new future captures the voices of unemployed workers and community groups in Taranaki, T\u0101maki Makaurau Auckland and Te Tair\u0101whiti during major economic upheaval in the late 1980s.<\/p>\n
His work sits alongside images by renowned photographer John Miller (Ng\u0101i Tawake ki te Tuawhenua, Te Uri Taniwha, Ng\u0101ti R\u0113hia and Te Whiu, Ng\u0101puhi), who has spent decades recording social change, labour struggles and community resilience throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.<\/p>\n
The exhibition also features historical and new works by Fiona Clark, one of the country\u2019s most widely celebrated photographers. Clark\u2019s work reflects on the environmental and social impacts of extractive industries around her home in the north Taranaki community of Tikorangi.<\/p>\n
Matthew Galloway\u2019s new installation revisits the legacy of Think Big-era infrastructure through a collaboration with former Minister of Energy, the late Sir Bill Birch and models from the now-closed Methanex visitor centre.<\/p>\n
Ngahuia Harrison\u2019s (Ng\u0101tiwai) new work explores the relationship between industry, the environment and mana whenua around Whang\u0101rei Harbour, while internationally acclaimed Singapore-based artist Ho Rui An looks at Singapore\u2019s oil economy, its \u201cgarden city\u201d identity and its role within global energy networks. The exhibition marks the first major presentation of his work in New Zealand.<\/p>\n
Together, the artists connect local experiences in Taranaki and across New Zealand to wider international networks of energy, trade and power, asking what remains when periods of growth and development come to an end.<\/p>\n
Opening day will feature artist talks and a specially adapted performance lecture by Ho Rui An, offering audiences insights into the ideas, research and lived experiences behind the exhibition.<\/p>\n
Economies of Deferral runs until 15 November 2026.<\/p>\n
Opening day artist talks: 8 August 2026<\/p>\n
11am \u2013 12pm: Fiona Clark and John Miller At a glance<\/p>\n The Gallery has earned major architectural and design awards, recognised globally for bold, innovative and inclusive exhibition programming. \nContent Sourced from scoop.co.nz<\/a>
\n2pm \u2013 3pm: Ngahuia Harrison and Matthew Galloway
\n4.30pm \u2013 5.30pm: Ho Rui An \u2013 Performance lecture. Due to limited space, booking required due to limited space. See the gallery\u2019s website (govettbrewster.com<\/a>) for details or book here<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nOwned and operated by NPDC, the Gallery welcomed over 75,130 visitors last year, with 16 per cent coming from outside the district.
\nIt also operates an art and design store, an arthouse cinema, and offers vibrant education and public programmes.<\/p>\n
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