Organisers are promising the most extensive and diverse programme yet, with plenty to offer those looking to add to their own collections, or simply appreciate the breadth and talent of work on display.
With a wide range of contemporary art from across New Zealand, Australia, and the wider Pacific Rim, the event also brings new insight to art lovers, with immersive experiences and opportunities to connect with artists themselves.
Previously the art fair has generated millions of dollars in sales for participating galleries and their artists.
Highlights this year include a publicly available Sculpture Park, the first appearance of performance art at the fair, and a number of art discussions and artist presentations. These talks see creators offer a look into the artistic processes behind their work, allowing attendees to delve deeper into the conceptual, technical and personal details.
Art aficionados young and old wanting to get ‘hands-on’ are well catered for in the Squiggla Making Space, with a number of playful ways to get creative.
Opening night on Thursday the 18th April will also be an event to remember, with performances by renowned Australian artist Michael Zavros and The New Zealand Dance Company (NZDC), sharing an excerpt from “IMPRINT.”
What to see
Making an appealing waterfront wander, this year the Sculpture Space is freely accessible to the public over the days of the fair, located at Karanga Plaza just outside the Viaduct Events Centre. Featuring large-scale sculptures, works include those by Chris Bailey (Milford Galleries Dunedin and Queenstown), Wayne Youle ({Suite}), David McCracken (Gow Langsford), Terry Stringer (ARTIS Gallery), and Virginia Leonard (Martin Browne Contemporary).
‘Let’s Talk Art’ includes discussions engaging artists, curators, designers, and collectors. Talks this year include Women’s Hour, featuring speakers Julia Waite, Gretchen Albrecht, Julia Morison, and Luise Fong discussing women artists’ experiences in Aotearoa; How I Collect exploring art collecting with John Gow, Toss Grumley, Bentley de Beyer, and Georgia Currie; and How Art Influences My Creative Practice, featuring Peter Gordon, Andrew Patterson, Tom Hishon, and Kate Sylvester. From culinary arts to architecture and fashion, this diverse panel will explore the intersections between art and their respective fields.
Selected artists are also holding their own talks. Located at gallery booths, these talks provide a unique opportunity to connect with the artists and gain a deeper understanding of their artistic
processes. Artists this year include Lottie Consalvo, Susanne Kerr, Joe Sheehan, John Reynolds, Hannah Ireland, among many others.
Want a memento other than a piece from the fair? An art bookshop hosted by Lamplight Books will offer publications spanning art, design, architecture, fashion, and cultural commentary.
Aotearoa Art Fair
Viaduct Events Centre
18-21 April
