Late December and January see many galleries shutting their doors, although a handful will remain open or open to appointment.
The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is your holiday season go-to for chilled out gallery good times. With a huge range of national and international shows, the gallery is open every day apart from Christmas and New Year’s Day. If you’re ever unsure, jump online and double check to avoid disappointment. Below are some highlights for around Auckland for December and January.
Te Uru
The Portage Ceramic Awards
30 finalists exhibition
On until 5 March 2023
Te Uru in Titirangi, with its stunning sea views and tranquil location, will be displaying a beautiful selection of contemporary ceramic artworks by the 30 finalists for The 2022 Portage Ceramic Awards. With plenty of delicious eateries in the area, it’s well worth making a day trip out of your visit.
420 Titirangi Road, Titirangi
More info at teuru.org.nz
Toi Tu
TAPAC Makers’ Market
Various artists
17 December 10am-2pm
Studio One Toi Tū’s Makers’ Market is back! Support local makers and New Zealand handmade goods in this market celebrating the creative communities connected to Studio One Toi Tū. Shop Local and browse a selection of ceramics, crafts and bespoke artworks to find a unique gift this Christmas.
TAPAC, 100 Motions Road,
Western Springs
More info at studioone.org.nz
Two Rooms
Black Out Days & LA Botanical
Tira Walsh & Joyce Campbell
Black Out Days transforms the gallery space into one of drama and spectacle as the nine paintings occupy one long wall, operating as an architectural mural. Black Out Days refers to both the hues of the paintings and her time as an artist in residence in Karekare, responding to the pitch black nights in the remote location.
This new iteration of L.A. Botanical by Joyce Campbell is a series of ambrotype portraits of plant species introduced to California – which now grow wild and alienated from their original purposes. The exhibition comprises six new large-scale handprinted photographic enlargements from ambrotype negatives, and a selection of the original ambrotype contact prints from 2005. They are dramatic, beautiful and ghostly all at once.
16 Putiki Street, Grey Lynn
More info tworooms.co.nz
Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki
Robin White Te Whanaketanga Something Is Happening Here
Robin White
On until 30 January
For over 50 years, Dame Robin White (Ngāti Awa, Pākehā), has portrayed people and their environments in Aotearoa New Zealand, Kiribati, Fiji, Tonga and beyond. These places – and the people she’s forged relationships with – have transformed her life and art. This oeuvre takes visitors on an intimate journey across place and through time, showcasing the remarkable breadth and continuous innovation in White’s practice.
Cnr Kitchener and Wellesley Streets, Auckland CBD
More info at aucklandartgallery.com
Melanie Roger Gallery
Summer Stock Room
Group Show
On until 17 December, after which open by appointment where possible
It’s always an exciting time of year to visit Melanie Rogers Gallery, when she has the full gamut of work from her stable up on display. Located in the heart of Auckland’s Art district, this show is a must-see, especially if you’re on the hunt for some art for Christmas.
444 Karangahape Rd, Newton
More info at melanierogergallery.com
