The Art of April

Written for Verve Magazine by Aimée Ralfini.

Published 01.04.19

So many artists, so many galleries, all over the country, all over the world. We are a nomadic bunch and tend to travel around the country — who can blame us? It’s so beautiful here. For the Art of April, let’s take a closer look at some of the galleries and artists one might chance upon outside of Auckland and Aotearoa.

From China

With galleries in both Shanghai and Hong Kong Leo Gallery is respected for being a progressive force in nurturing young and representing established contemporary artists. It’s worth familiarizing yourself with the stunningly bold paintings of Tan Ping, who is regarded as the leading figure of Chinese abstract art, or the equally arresting works of Huang Yan as seen above.

 

From Waikato

Hamilton is becoming increasingly glamorous, due in part to newly established Weasel Gallery. Located on the main strip of Victoria Street, Weasel showcases the work of Telly Tuita amongst others. Tuita’s photographic work features a complex mix of cultural iconography from brightly coloured practical items, trade packaging and mythical figures through to references from Tonga’s colonial history.

From Australia

East Sydney’s Dominik Mersch Gallery aims to exhibit work that has an enduring impact aesthetically and conceptually. Such as the work of Isidro Blasco, who combines architecture, photography and installation to explore themes of vision and perception in relation to physical experience.

Galerie Pompom and Egg and Dart galleries both hail from earlier artist-run incarnations. Between them they present a bevy of delicious artworks from their combined stables, notably the fascinating portraits of Sydney based Andrew Sullivan and the petite visceral works of draped glass by Gabrielle Adamik.

From Hobart in Tasmania, Michael Bugelli Gallery functions part house museum, part contemporary gallery and part event site. In theme with this multidisciplinary space the gallery supports Kai Wasikowski – a multidisciplinary artist. Wasikowski’s artistic practice explores the dichotomy between a simulated natural environment and the ethically riddled consumer materials used to create one.

From Hawkes Bay

Serving the Hawkes Bay region with the very best contemporary art since 2016, Parlour Projects hosts 2018’s Fulbright-Wallace Arts Trust Award winner Emma Fitts. Emma Fitts’ textile sculptural works are made from wools, linens, silks and cotton – materials with which we all connect to on a daily basis, evoking personal narratives for every observer.

From Wellington

Cuba Streets {Suite} Gallery presents the desolate urban nightscapes of Daniel Unverricht, whose oil paintings will resonate with anyone fond of the tranquil beauty that resides in empty parking lots and starkly lit industrial buildings at night.

Located on Victoria Street Millers O’Brien is the newest dealer gallery in central Wellington. Among their stable of artists is Erica van Zon, who uses traditionally craft-associated materials, such as embroidery, beading and tapestry, to create modern works inspired by memories and encounters such as the view from an aeroplane window.

Wellington-based play_station is an Artist Run Initiative boasting over 50 exhibitions since its inception in 2016.  Artist and facilitator Tyler Jackson’s work in-part consists of intensely coloured large wall-mounted relief work, made from industrial materials which have been artfully woven together to maximise the impact of light and colour.

If you’re interested in checking out any of these galleries and artists without leaving Auckland or the country, they will be participating in Auckland’s upcoming Art Fair on May 1^st.

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Source.

Verve is Auckland’s free lifestyle magazine. It’s a feast of local news & events, personalities, fashion, food, health & beauty, entertainment, travel, real estate and much more. Online publication.

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Widget image credit: Artist Telly Tuita. Courtesy of Weasel Gallery, Hamilton.