For TENT 2021, play_station will be setting up camp at the Sutton House in Ōtautahi Christchurch - the former home of the Canterbury artist, Bill Sutton, near the inner city and within the boundaries of the residential red zone.  Bill Sutton lived and worked in the house, designed by his friend Tom Taylor, from 1963 until his death in 2000. The show will feature work by artists Ming Ranginui, Lily McRae, Mady Cheng, Max Fleury and Bena Jackson. play_station has invited these studio artists and recent exhibitors to present works in situ of the red zone – reflecting on the changing nature of the city and landscape, 10 years on from the 2011 earthquake.

Located on Templar St, Richmond in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor, the Bill Sutton Heritage House and Garden now operates as an artist’s residence and studio in conjunction with Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū and the Ilam School of Fine Arts, University of Canterbury.  Former owner, Neil Roberts, bought Sutton’s house following the artist’s death, to ensure it was preserved, with the intention of gifting it to the city to be used as an artist’s residency. The house was set to be demolished following the earthquakes but ended up being saved and restored. 

play_station would like to acknowledge the Sutton House and Garden Charitable Trust for their work and for allowing us to use the space.

Poster by Haz Forrester