Winters veil has lifted, making way for fresh bursts of pacific flora amidst our suburban landscape. With the longer days building momentum towards summer and spirits lifting, it’s a good time to replenish the soul by immersing oneself in the artworld. There is plenty to choose from this October, especially with Auckland Artweek running from the 12th. Here are this month’s picks:
1. Moana Currents: Dressing Aotearoa Now, Te Uru
Sēmisi Fetokai Potauaine VAKA ’A HINA courtesy of SCAPECurators Doris de Pont and Dan Ahwa have brought together emerging and established designers, along with some lust-worthy jewellery and body adornment, to trace how the Moana (Pacific Ocean) has influenced local fashion and given it a unique identity. See how Karen Walker’s collaboration with the Kuki ‘Airani Creative Mama interpreted the Cook Island art form of tivaevae into a striking gown worn to Buckingham Palace and new talents on the fashion scene. Curator’s tour: Saturday 12 October 2pm.
teuru.org.nz
Listen: Doris de Pont interviewed about her life and vision on the Art Ache podcast. Playing now via Spotify or iTunes
open.spotify.com
2. K Road Open Late, Artweek Auckland
Artweek is back with an incredible range of exhibitions, events, and workshops to fit every taste. Explore the K Rd galleries under your own steam or join a guided tour for Open Late. Grab some friends to make an evening of it, and enjoy a drink or bite along the way to intersperse your culture hit. Thursday October 17th from 6pm, Karangahape Road
artweekauckland.co.nz
Still from Walking on Water Art Film about Cristo courtesy of The Vic cinema Devonport3. Joe Sheehan at Tim Melville Gallery
Joe Sheehan’s work is not only beautiful but takes a contemporary look at materials, embedding complex associations in each object. Real Estate attempts to capture fleeting glimpses and lasting impressions of how buildings sit within the land. His sculptures are carved from basalt, a stone used by Māori for tools and Pakeha for roads and building. Sourced from an abandoned quarry transforming into lifestyle blocks, “You might say that it’s a developer’s game I’m playing as well”, Sheehan comments. On until October 15th.
timmelville.com
4. Art Films at The Vic
An art deco treasure, Devonport’s The Vic cinema is showing three great art films this month. Martha: A Picture Story is a touching portrait of legendary street photographer Martha Cooper, Never Look Away is a powerful drama inspired by the life of painter Gerhard Richter, and Walking on Water explores Christo’s artistic process. Limited screenings.
thevic.co.nz
5. SCAPE Public Art
Hayley Theyers ‘All the Glooms were Rosed with Wingz’ courtesy of Black Asterix GalleryIf you feel like escaping Auckland for a mini-break, consider heading down to Christchurch for its annual contemporary art festival SCAPE. 2019 takes the game Rock – Paper – Scissors as its starting point and features more than a dozen artworks from local and international artists in public spaces. Free events, talks, tours, and art appreciation bike rides on opening weekend. October 5th – November 16th.
scapepublicart.org.nz
6. The Art of Death
Hosted by the Metropolitan Club, known for it’s curious and subversive events in elegant surroundings. The Art of Death is a multi-disciplinary exhibition by seven female artists who have transformed the rooms of historic gothic mansion Highwic, into curious new settings. Featuring works by Antoinette Ratcliffe, Hayley Theyers, Jane Thorne, Paola King-Borrero, Sophie MacDonnell, Karley Feaver and Kate Rempling. The Art of Death is on display at Highwic 1862 until the 27th October.
themetropolitan.club
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Editors pick:
This month editor Jude recommends visiting Teri Parat – a portrait artist who works with oils on Begian linen. Inspired by classical portraiture to the world of haute couture, Parat’s exhibition is on at Smyth Galleries in Herne Bay until November 3rd.
