Majestic headlands, secluded bays, intimate nooks and grand vistas – Waiheke Island, home to Sculpture On The Gulf, is the unique whenua (land) and coastal canvas upon which 31 contemporary New Zealand artists have created site-responsive sculptures for this year’s event.
So much has happened in the years since the last Sculpture on the Gulf in 2019. A pandemic, a postponement, a whole new board and two new curators. With additional exciting initiatives and partnerships in place, “this year’s event promises to be an inspiring and exhilarating ride,” says Dr Kriselle Baker, (new) Sculpture on the Gulf board member and one of the four curatorial selectors.
Sculpture on the Gulf (SOTG) is New Zealand’s foremost outdoor sculpture exhibition, and is scheduled to return 4 March to Waiheke Island’s magnificent coastal landscape, after a covid-hiatus in 2021. This year SOTG new board has collaborated with local business to create a series of companion events at the island’s vineyards, like Artisan Dinners which see chefs and artists working together with food inspired by the artist’s work. The artist and chef will speak briefly about the food and the artist about their work at each event. These Artisan Dinners seat around 50–60 guests (restaurant depending), so book early to secure a reservation.
In addition to the Artisan Dinners, SOTG has also partnered with The Auckland Art Fair, which runs 2-6 March. With many artists crossing over between the two events, the partnership makes a lot of sense.
Martin Basher’s work greets guests on the forecourt of The Cloud, as the first SOTG placement, itself an act of encouragement to visitors to ‘make a weekend of it’ on the island.
Staying for a weekend on Waiheke will appeal to many people, I’m sure. Wine and dine in the city, then jet over to the island for a stroll through the sculpture trail with its impeccable views of the gulf. Then take an afternoon the following day to relax at one of the island vineyards. This proposition has the added benefit of avoiding any queues for the ferry as you can travel outside peak times.
The biennial exhibition usually attracts 30,000–50,000 visitors to the island, something that will not be too badly affected by the new red light system in place in Auckland.
Unlike previous Sculpture on the Gulf events, this year’s event will be ticketed to comply with the Covid-19 Protection Framework. During the three-week exhibition, opening hours will be Monday to Thursday 10am – 4pm, Friday and Saturday 9am – 6pm, and Sunday 9am – 4pm, with tickets for the event available for purchase from sotg.nz. Demand is sure to be running high, so book early to avoid missing out.
In line with government health and safety requirements under the Covid-19 Protection Framework, anyone wishing to enjoy the event will be required to produce a valid vaccination pass upon entry. This means that the public space used for the event will be restricted to vaccinated ticketholders only during event hours. Please note that currently this requirement does not apply to children under the age of 12 years and three months.
As usual visitors can expect a spectacular lineup of exciting artists from diverse communities all over Aotearoa (including Waiheke) that have been selected by a curational panel of highly accomplished art experts, this year: Nigel Borell, Rachel Yates, Fiona Blanchard, and Dr Kriselle Baker.
Thirty-one significant outdoor sculptural works respond to the spectacular setting and environment of Waiheke and Tīkapa Moana (the Hauraki Gulf). The works will be displayed along a two-kilometre stretch of coastline along the Waiheke headland from Church Bay towards Te Atawhai Whenua Reserve and Matiatia. The event fosters the potential of contemporary sculpture to activate the environment, creating opportunities for audiences to experience the power and beauty of sculpture in the landscape.
Prior to the beginning of the curatorial selection process, curator Rachel Yates noted: “I’m humbled to be a selector for Sculpture on The Gulf 2022. It is a unique, reputable event that offers a meaningful space and platform for artists and contemporary issues.
I look forward to the review process, and getting an in-depth insight into materials, design, context, and the storytelling of works considered.”
Dates: 4–27 March 2022
2022 artist line-up: sotg.nz/our-artists
To Book a Companion Event visit: sotg.nz/event-program
For Waiheke accommodation: staywaiheke.com or bemyguestwaiheke.co.nz
For tickets and bookings, and to organise transport visit sotg.nz
