Billy Apple
TALES OF GOLD
Billy Apple with Wystan Curnow
16 June - 3 July, 2004
Curated by Tobias Berger
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In 1983 Billy Apple sold an apple out of pure gold (103 oz) to an Auckland investor.
The Apple was the most expensive artwork by a living artist in that time and was much admired in different exhibitions. Together with this transaction a contract was negotiated between the Auckland Coin & Bullion Exchange who dealt the sale, the buyer and the artist. The contract is almost as important as the artwork itself as it poses different questions about art, ownership and copyright.
Tales of Gold highlights these questions, telling the story of the golden apple, and taking us back into the buzzing 80s. It will be a unique attempt to write local history, bring back distant memories and discuss the important relationship of art and its value.
