GRAFT® Exhibition

NEWSFLASH! PROGRESS UPDATE ON THE GRAFT EXHIBITION BOOSTED CAMPAIGN WEDNESDAY 29TH MAY 2024

So far we have raised $2694.99 towards our stretch goal. It's incredible! Please keep the support coming. Thank you to everyone who has reshared the Boosted campaign to their network, and please continue to reshare. 

PROGRESS UPDATE ON THE GRAFT EXHIBITION BOOSTED CAMPAIGN. THURSDAY 9TH MAY 2024

We are seeking funding to help realise the installation and display of GRAFT®, the multi-disciplinary project created/developed by Auckland artist John Radford over the past 14 years.

GRAFT® is a complex project incorporating sculpture, installation, performance, an alter ego and a 235 strong community of owners.

The final stage of GRAFT® was almost ready to exhibit just as Covid arrived in 2020. Due to the pandemic constraints the completed installation has never been seen…. not by the owners of the houses, the project’s supporters and volunteers, nor the artist himself.

The funds we are seeking here will enable us to finally exhibit the complete work in the beautiful aged interior of Maori Hall in Edinburgh Street, Auckland Central in June this year. Experience the project’s scope and complexity in this unique heritage site in the heart of Newton, K’Road and Ponsonby. This neighbourhood and its history directly inspired the GRAFT® artwork.

To learn more about GRAFT® please visit https://graft.net.nz/about/

We are aiming to raise $4000. Your donation, no matter how small, will help us to cover the basic costs of this installation, exhibition and event including:

Scaffolding

Insurance

Lighting

Hardware

Security

Electricity and Venue costs

The sculptural aspect of the work has been the building and selling of two-hundred-and forty seven so far (of the two hundred and fifty six total) highly detailed, miniature replicas of early 1900's bay villas.

John needed someone to sell the real estate... so he created an alter-ego.... Ron Jadford; a slick, surreal estate agent character whose only purpose in life was to sell GRAFT® houses to potential buyers at every opportunity.

Surreal Estate video

GRAFT® is inspired by the mass suburban demolitions, removals, and relocations caused by urban redevelopment in Auckland central. The project both celebrates and mourns the material and social history that is lost by these processes. There are only 7 houses remaining available for purchase, please contact Ron/John if interested. Many thanks to the house owners who have been part of this project for many years. Your GRAFT®  house will be placed in your hands after the exhibition is completed!

As each stage has been completed, GRAFT® has been displayed at several inner-city locations in Auckland/Tamaki Makaurau as more and more of the installation has become complete. Named "GRAFT® Street Party" events, these showings have occurred in the Q Theatre construction site in late 2010, at Iron Bank on K’Rd in 2011 and in 2013, and at The Old Folks Association Hall in Newton 2014. Bring on the finale!