Two-Way Street is an exhibition honouring the relationship between mentor and mentee; between the late and accomplished painter, Philip Trusttum, and his two mentees - Morks, and Luca McDonnell. Where Philip gave through his experience as a full-time artist for over six decades, both Morks and Luca gave back through their willingness to learn, their respect, energy and enthusiasm. Both were working with Philip right up until he passed away on 4th March 2026. The exhibition is, in true Trusttum-style, a celebration of life and is full to the brim with vim and vigour!
Morks introduced himself to Philip about 3 years ago, looking for feedback on his paintings and hoping to gain a mentor in the process. Both ensued, particularly once the pair bonded over rugby - Morks' grandfather, Harry Frazer, was an All Black and a contemporary of Philip's father who, in 1937, trialled for the All Blacks - and a firm friendship formed. Morks' painting practice is founded in a teenage foray into graffiti; learning the art of tattooing while serving in the New Zealand Army; 25 years experience in the tattoo industry; and a love of Street Art, spanning decades. Varying techniques, methods and styles from these major influences can be seen in Morks' new canvas works exhibited at The Central, as well as new painterly-influences inspired by Philip. While Morks brings his own unique style to his painted works, the energy, colour play, and level of detail are comparable to Philip's.
Luca McDonnell also introduced himself to Philip, but by way of a letter and gift; a 3cm high, 3D printed, hand-painted sculpture of Philip gazing up at a floating airport staircase. A senior sculpture student at Ilam School of Fine Arts, University of Canterbury, Luca was hoping to obtain a Philip Trusttum painting through the age-old trade of bartering; a Philip Trusttum painting in exchange for a Luca McDonnell sculpture? Gardening services, perhaps? He even offered up his vintage moped, but finally they settled on his word processing skills and the typing of Lee's poems for a book. Subsequently, the pair fell into a comfortable mentor/mentee relationship which developed into friendship, spending time together discussing their art, and visiting The Central together. Now an Honours student, Luca's sculptural work has, up until recently, been diminutive in scale but Philip's passing inspired him to think big and both of his exhibited sculptures, Levitation and Negotiation, stand proudly alongside Philip's largescale paintings.
