Primary Connections

by Warren Feeney

. . . The exhibition “Primary Connections” featur[ures] tapestries by Marilyn Rea-Menzies based upon working drawing[s of New Zealand artists.] . . . In each instance master-weaver, Rea-Menzies has genuinely and sympathetically responded to the artist’s imagery and ideas, realizing a work that is the outcome of a reciprocal relationship. . . . when Philip Trusttum submitted his working drawing . . . his sketch consisted of a coloured line drawing on paper. When Rea-Menzies came to complete the tapestry she chose to celebrate the quality for which Trusttum’s art is renowned, his use of colour. Instead of working from the neutral white background of the drawing paper, she chose a dark green tapestry backdrop to heighten and animate Trusttum’s design. – TT p9

above, view of the exhibition Primary Connections showing the work of Marilyn Rea-Menzies
below, Marilyn Rea-Menzies and tapestry, Millenium, 1999-2000, Design Concept: Philip Trusttum. Woven with the help of Alison Stanton and almost 3000 members of the Christchurch community

The mutuality of faith and confidence required from both parties in each work has been critical to their success. Rea-Menzies commented that: ‘the artists I worked with put a lot of faith and trust in my ability to interpret their design concepts in an honest and forthright way. I have to be true to their vision of the work whilst including something of my own in the interpretation’. “Primary Connections” succeeds perfectly in such intentions. – TT p10

above, Marilyn Rea-Menzies, Living in the South Pacific, 1995-96, Design Concept: Michael Reed.
below, Marilyn Rea-Menzies, Song

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