Alston painting restoration fund

This Give-a-Little asks for help in restoring an iconic Aotearoan painting, one by the late Sharon Alston. The painting is left in my Will to the Charlotte Museum, currently based just off Karangahape Road in Auckland.

The painting, Which Way, was given to me, Sandi Hall, by Sharon Alston. If one researches paintings of nude women in Western Art, one is given many choices. Hundreds and hundreds and hundreds, dating back to the 1400s. But none like this one.

Which Way places a woman on a precipice beside a bouncing waterfall. She is not afraid, smiling down at the dancing Fish beside her.

She's also only half-dressed, with her pubic hair being the painting's focal point. Witty Ms Alson has fashioned that hair into a tiny rod.

Research so far shows that in Western art, there's no comparable Artwork inspired by the danger and power which rush through a woman when she feels lesbian sex as an attractive sexual choice. Do get in touch if you've one to suggest.

Painted in 1980, when Sharon had little money, her artistic talent and love of Aotearoa still bustle from it 46 years later. And today, the topic of sexuality choice still is a fiery one.