Roger Boyce, Ring Cycle, 2022. Courtesy: The artist and the gallery.

– when first we practice to deceive –

Deceit is a game artists play. One that painters are particularly adept at. Rendered in two-dimensions though determined to contrive a third, figurative art has been turning its hand to trickery since the 5th century, when the Greek painter Zeuxis depicted grapes convincing enough to bamboozle birds. Representation is a game: of chance, sleight-of-hand and stage-magic, of seduction, debauchery, and religious pageantry, performed by way of mimicry and duplicity. House of Games explores the many facets of this elaborate performance; a visual guide to the illimitable meanings, mythos, and metaphors imbued in the art of deception.

The thread of deceit – sleight-of-hand and stage magic – runs through this series; the act necessitating a willing seller and eager buyer. Here, Boyce is as much a merchant as magician, selling his wares through legerdemain. Our suspension of disbelief ‘buys’ the trick and lives for a moment in the magic’s thrall.

To receive a PDF catalogue of Roger’s new work and for any further information please contact {Suite} Director David Alsop by email info@suite.co.nz or call/text +64 21 956 663.

Opening event: 28 September, 5.30 – 7pm.