Aukland Art Fair 2016, The Cloud

Aukland Art Fair 2016, The Cloud

New Zealand’s premiere international showcase for contemporary art, Auckland Art Fair, returns this year after a three-year hiatus, at The Cloud on Auckland’s Queens Wharf. The 2016 edition heralds a shift in focus to contemporary art of the wider Pacific region and brings together 40 galleries from New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific, and South America. With over 150 artists exhibiting this year, the fair establishes itself as an important event in the international cultural calendar of the region offering a variety of artwork to attract both seasoned artaficionados and first time collectors.

The Ngātahi Editions stand offers a place to view works by well-known artists and acquire pieces at an affordable price. A collaboration between nine not-for-profit organisations, it features limited edition pieces from some of New Zealand’s best known artists including Lisa Reihana, Janet Lilo and Martin Basher, priced between $100 and $2,000. The fair also offers interactive activity options for all ages. It invites attendees to take something to trade, which can be a skill, object or idea, and get involved in Eve Armstrong’s Trading Table at the Michael Lett Gallery booth.

The Auckland Art Fair Artists’ Party on Friday 27 May presents a chance to interact with artists, galleries, curators and industry professionals in the surrounds of the best contemporary art from New Zealand, Australia, South America and the Pacific whilst enjoying live music from top New Zealand DJs, including Aroha from George FM, Tim Lambourne and Maximus Hush. The 2016 edition of the Auckland Art Fair also marks 30 years of art fairs in New Zealand. The first art fair, ARTEX was held in NZ in August 1986, coincidentally 100 metres away from the Cloud in the former passenger terminal on Princes Wharf.

Four gallerists and one gallery who exhibited at the original fair are also exhibiting at this year’s event; John Gow, (John Leech Gallery), Jonathon Gooderham [Jonathon Grant Gallery], Warwick Henderson, (Fine Art and Antiques NZ), Gary Langsford (Gazz Decorative Arts) and Masterworks Gallery. As international interest in Pacific Rim art continues to grow, the popularity of this year’s fair, and heritage of art fairs in New Zealand proves the important role they play in showcasing contemporary art of the region to both a local and global audience.

For more information visit www.artfair.co.nz

Credits
1. Richard Lewer, Untitled, 2016, acrylic on sandpaper, 280mm x 230mm (each), courtesy of GOW LONGFORD GALLERY and the artist