The Art of February presents a dynamic mix of exhibitions celebrating diverse artistic practices.
Highlights include Kathryn Tsui’s intricate weaving, Roseanne Bartley’s jewellery exploring language, Stanley Palmer’s stunning landscapes, and cross-cultural works like Indigenous baby vessels at Objectspace. From ceramics at the Portage Awards to Martin Creed’s conceptual art, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to experience these inspiring shows this month.
MASTERWORKS GALLERY
Kathryn Tsui and Roseanne Bartley
8 Feb – 1 March
Opening Sat 8 Feb
Two solo shows respectively, by artists Kathryn Tsui, who works in hand-weaving and beading, and Roseanne Bartley who is a jeweller, and explores the relationship between language and jewellery.
71 Upper Queen Street, Eden Terrace
masterworksgallery.co.nz
MELANIE ROGER GALLERY
New Work
Stanley Palmer
On until 22 Feb
New work by renowned New Zealand painter Stanley Palmer continuing an exploration of his beloved Aotearoa
in this new series of oil paintings. This exhibition will feature eight new works including depictions of Karamea, Great Barrier Island, Chathams, Great Mercury Island and more. Also included will be a small, and very limited selection of printmaking. These are quintessentially New Zealand places captured by one of our most admired landscape artists. This is Palmer’s ongoing love letter to Aotearoa.
444 Karangahape Rd, Newton
melanierogergallery.com
OBJECTSPACE
Architecture of Aroha
Gunvor Guttorm, Berit Kristine Andersen Guvsám, Inga Ravna Eira, Tanya Reihana White and Jasmine Te Hira
On until 16 March
Architecture of Aroha presents two objects that hold important cultural significance, the wahakura and
the gietkka, baby sleeping vessels from Māori and Sámi communities respectively. The wahakura and gietkka do not exist purely as objects. Rather, they are part of an intricate constellation of knowledge, design and spirituality. Their design reflects a deep understanding of the natural world. For each, materials are sourced locally thus echoing the rhythms of the environment and showing the connection between all aspects of life and land for Indigenous peoples.
13 Rose Road, Grey Lynn
objectspace.org.nz/exhibitions/architecture-of-aroha
MICHAEL LETT
Like Favourite Socks in a Drawer
Martin Creed
On until 1 March
“I went to an art shop and I did not know what brushes to get, so I got a multi-pack. I do not know what is best. Nothing is best. It could be anything. I want everything to be in it. I want to do something without judging or choosing. One cannot judge. It is always artificial. Nothing is best. Things are whatever they are really. Everything really is what it is. In these paintings the different colours can live together in a chord, like a happy family, like the three bears, like flying ducks, like favourite socks in a drawer, like sweet layers of a cake, like steps on a staircase to heaven. A step pyramid is solid and easy to understand. It is a safe structure that is not going to fall down. It is trustworthy. You can see how it is built. The steps are hopefully leading to the top, and you can enjoy the colours on the way up. In a blobby, soupy, ill-defined world it can be helpful to put your ducks in a row.”
– Martin Creed, 2025
312 Karangahape Road, Cnr K’Road & East Street
michaellett.com/exhibition/martin-creed-2
TE URU
Portage Ceramic Awards
Wendelien Bakker, Raukura Turei, Terry Bell, Ted Kindleysides and 36 other artists
On until 23 Feb
The Portage Ceramic Awards is an annual exhibition of contemporary ceramics in Aotearoa. The award was established in 2001 and embraces the rich history of working with clay in West Auckland. Portage 2024 includes 42 works by 40 artists, some of whom are well-established and have been finalists in the Portage many times before. For others, this is the first time entering the awards or exhibiting their work. Finalist works range from intimate functional objects to large-scale ephemeral installations.
420 Titirangi Road, Waitakere
teuru.org.nz/products/portage-ceramic-awards-2024
Curated by Aimee Ralfini
