Get outside and enjoy contemporary art in nature. See how well-placed and site-specific artworks draw inspiration from the environment and, in turn, help us better understand our relationship to nature and the places we live.
Brick Bay Sculpture Trail
Near Snells Beach north of Auckland, this ambitious project has turned coastal farmland into an outdoor sculpture trail framed by lakes and native planting. The ever-changing exhibition of around 60 sculptures is sited along an easy 2km trail that takes about an hour to complete. Drifting through the natural amphitheatre of the bush, Brick Bay is also home to the largest outdoor sound work in New Zealand by talented artist and musician Olivia Webb. Make a day of it and check out the celebrated vineyard and café.
Connells Bay Sculpture Park
Located on a 60-acre coastal property on the eastern side of Waiheke Island, a visit to Connells Bay is a real treat. Established with the vision of uniting art and nature the sculpture park is known for its sweeps of native trees and thoughtful commissioning of site-specific New Zealand sculpture. Art works by Venice Biennale representatives Dane Mitchell and Michael Parekowhai join over 30 permanent sculptures and a selection of temporary art works. Stay onsite in a secluded 100-year-old beachfront guest cottage. Advance booking essential for sculpture park and cottage.
MESH, Hamilton
MESH commissions and gifts sculpture to the city of Kirikiriroa/Hamilton and has produced an impressive four public artworks around the city, and is underway with a fifth. The latest sculpture is by Robert Jahnke who joins Lonnie Hutchinson, Seung Yul Oh, and Michael Parekowhai in creating artworks near the Waikato River or other strategic sites. While you’re visiting the city be sure to see Earth Blanket by Chris Booth and Diggeress Te Kanawa, and Molly Macalister’s Little Bull at the Hamilton Gardens.
brickbay.co.nz
connellsbay.co.nz
meshsculpture.org.nz
