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Key moments and achievements from John Coley's life.
John was born
· Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Education
In 1955, Coley enrolled as a student at the Canterbury College School of Art in Christchurch, transitioning from his first career as a cadet reporter to formal art training that would define his life's work.
Education
In 1955, Coley enrolled as a student at the Canterbury College School of Art in Christchurch, transitioning from his first career as a cadet reporter to formal art training that would define his life's work.
Academic Milestone
John William Coley's artistic education at the Canterbury College School of Art from 1955 to 1957 was a pivotal period. During his studies, the institution relocated from its city site to the Ilam campus, a significant development for the art school. He studied alongside a cohort of future notable artists, including Ted Bracey, Pat Hanly, Gil Tavener (Hanly), Ted Bullmore, Hamish Keith, and Bill Culbert, fostering a vibrant and influential artistic environment that shaped his early career.
Academic Milestone
John William Coley's artistic education at the Canterbury College School of Art from 1955 to 1957 was a pivotal period. During his studies, the institution relocated from its city site to the Ilam campus, a significant development for the art school. He studied alongside a cohort of future notable artists, including Ted Bracey, Pat Hanly, Gil Tavener (Hanly), Ted Bullmore, Hamish Keith, and Bill Culbert, fostering a vibrant and influential artistic environment that shaped his early career.
Artistic Collaboration
Following his return from the United States, John Coley was instrumental in establishing 20/20 Vision, a dynamic collective of young Canterbury artists. This group aimed to democratize art by making it more accessible to a wider audience. A notable initiative involved producing commercially screen-printed artist prints, which were sold affordably, featuring contributions from artists like Greer Twiss, Derek Mitchell, Don Peebles, and Coley himself, thereby fostering a new approach to art distribution.
Artistic Collaboration
Following his return from the United States, John Coley was instrumental in establishing 20/20 Vision, a dynamic collective of young Canterbury artists. This group aimed to democratize art by making it more accessible to a wider audience. A notable initiative involved producing commercially screen-printed artist prints, which were sold affordably, featuring contributions from artists like Greer Twiss, Derek Mitchell, Don Peebles, and Coley himself, thereby fostering a new approach to art distribution.
Career
John William Coley leveraged his early training as a journalist to become a prominent voice in the South Island art scene as a critic for the Christchurch Star. Throughout the 1970s, his reviews provided a vital bridge between the avant-garde movements of the era and the general public, often championing local Canterbury artists. His writing was characterized by a deep technical understanding of the medium, which he used to demystify contemporary art for a wider audience. This role established Coley as a key intellectual figure in Christchurch, ensuring that the city's vibrant gallery culture received rigorous and thoughtful documentation.
Career
John William Coley leveraged his early training as a journalist to become a prominent voice in the South Island art scene as a critic for the Christchurch Star. Throughout the 1970s, his reviews provided a vital bridge between the avant-garde movements of the era and the general public, often championing local Canterbury artists. His writing was characterized by a deep technical understanding of the medium, which he used to demystify contemporary art for a wider audience. This role established Coley as a key intellectual figure in Christchurch, ensuring that the city's vibrant gallery culture received rigorous and thoughtful documentation.
Career
In 1981, John William Coley was appointed Director of the Robert McDougall Art Gallery, a position he held for fifteen years during a period of significant institutional growth. Under his leadership, the gallery expanded its collection and public programming, navigating the challenges of operating within a heritage building in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Coley was instrumental in advocating for a new, purpose-built facility, a vision that eventually culminated in the opening of the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū years after his tenure. His directorship is remembered for balancing the preservation of traditional Canterbury art with the introduction of provocative contemporary exhibitions.
Career
In 1981, John William Coley was appointed Director of the Robert McDougall Art Gallery, a position he held for fifteen years during a period of significant institutional growth. Under his leadership, the gallery expanded its collection and public programming, navigating the challenges of operating within a heritage building in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Coley was instrumental in advocating for a new, purpose-built facility, a vision that eventually culminated in the opening of the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū years after his tenure. His directorship is remembered for balancing the preservation of traditional Canterbury art with the introduction of provocative contemporary exhibitions.
Leadership & Curation
John Coley's 15-year tenure as director of the Robert McDougall Art Gallery, beginning in 1981, was transformative, described by artist Steve Furlonger as 'the kiss of life' for the institution. He was a staunch advocate for contemporary art, notably overseeing the establishment of the Robert McDougall Contemporary Art Annex in 1988. Located in the Arts Centre, the Annex focused on showcasing local and international touring exhibitions, with a particular emphasis on fostering Canterbury art and emerging artists.
Leadership & Curation
John Coley's 15-year tenure as director of the Robert McDougall Art Gallery, beginning in 1981, was transformative, described by artist Steve Furlonger as 'the kiss of life' for the institution. He was a staunch advocate for contemporary art, notably overseeing the establishment of the Robert McDougall Contemporary Art Annex in 1988. Located in the Arts Centre, the Annex focused on showcasing local and international touring exhibitions, with a particular emphasis on fostering Canterbury art and emerging artists.
Career
John William Coley became a regular contributor to Art New Zealand, the nation’s leading quarterly journal for the visual arts, where he authored scholarly essays and artist profiles. His contributions often focused on the regional identity of Canterbury art, providing national exposure for South Island painters and sculptors who might otherwise have been overlooked by the Auckland-centric art market. By documenting the careers of peers such as Doris Lusk and Bill Sutton, Coley helped construct a formal history of mid-century New Zealand modernism. His work for the publication remains a primary resource for researchers studying the evolution of New Zealand’s aesthetic sensibilities during the late 20th century.
Career
John William Coley became a regular contributor to Art New Zealand, the nation’s leading quarterly journal for the visual arts, where he authored scholarly essays and artist profiles. His contributions often focused on the regional identity of Canterbury art, providing national exposure for South Island painters and sculptors who might otherwise have been overlooked by the Auckland-centric art market. By documenting the careers of peers such as Doris Lusk and Bill Sutton, Coley helped construct a formal history of mid-century New Zealand modernism. His work for the publication remains a primary resource for researchers studying the evolution of New Zealand’s aesthetic sensibilities during the late 20th century.
Achievement
Described as a 'colourist of rare joy,' Coley's paintings graced collections across New Zealand and Australia, establishing a lasting artistic legacy alongside his contributions as a critic and gallery director.
Achievement
Described as a 'colourist of rare joy,' Coley's paintings graced collections across New Zealand and Australia, establishing a lasting artistic legacy alongside his contributions as a critic and gallery director.
Artistic Evolution
In his later career, John Coley faced the challenge of macular degeneration, which significantly impacted his vision. Rather than ceasing his artistic endeavors, he ingeniously adapted his practice by creating vibrant collages using cut colored papers. This innovative approach allowed him to bypass some of the technical difficulties of painting, demonstrating his enduring creativity and resilience. These distinctive works were featured in a 2012 exhibition titled 'John Coley: Double Vision Cut Paper Collages and Nightlights paintings,' showcasing his continued artistic vitality.
Artistic Evolution
In his later career, John Coley faced the challenge of macular degeneration, which significantly impacted his vision. Rather than ceasing his artistic endeavors, he ingeniously adapted his practice by creating vibrant collages using cut colored papers. This innovative approach allowed him to bypass some of the technical difficulties of painting, demonstrating his enduring creativity and resilience. These distinctive works were featured in a 2012 exhibition titled 'John Coley: Double Vision Cut Paper Collages and Nightlights paintings,' showcasing his continued artistic vitality.
John Coley passed away
