When was the last time you looked objectively at New Zealand for all of its cultural offerings? And where is our cultural melting pot? Wellington has long been nurtured into that role, however as a proud Aucklander I beg to differ. Yes we have the arts district of Karangahape Road, but that’s just one cog in a much larger cultural wheel.
If Auckland were Paris, then South Auckland would be Montmartre. It is the undeniable epicentre of culture within Tāmaki Makaurau. The landscape alone illustrates this with its high ratio of electro-Eiffel towers: a recent visit to the newly re-stablished Vunilagi Vou at The Alexander Café further backs my claim.
Vunilagi Vou X The Alexander Café
It felt like summer walking into The Alexander Café in Ōtara. Having followed the journey of Ōtāhuhu’s first art gallery Vunilagi Vou and it’s creator Ema Tavola, from its first location on the main street, to the artists home during covid, I was curious to experience the third iteration.
My thoughts? Third time’s a charm! The space itself is warmly industrial with generously high ceilings that allow both the sunlight in and a view of the bright blue sky above. I’ve yet to see such a large space as well activated with art as the new Vunilagi Vou at The Alexander Café. There is music, food, cooking smells and cosy nooks for local artists to meet and make plans. There is room to work quietly, and most importantly there is room to view the art on display, from a distance and up close, while you sip on your coffee.
The space is warm and happy, buzzing with creative energy. Viewing artwork in this environment is a joyful experience and absolutely the way forward. I highly recommend putting a day aside to do a South Auckland Gallery tour as more galleries burst into life in the area.
South Auckland Gallery Info:
Vunilagi Vou X Alexander Café
4/100 Alexander Crescent, Ōtara
Fresh Gallery Ōtara
5/46 Fair Mall, Ōtara
Māngere Arts Centre – Ngā Tohu o Uenuku
Corner Orly Avenue & Bader Drive, Māngere
