All things art at Auckland fair

Photo: JASON OXENHAM

CULTURE CLUB: Auckland Art Fair director Jennifer Buckley says the inclusion of galleries from New Zealand and Australia makes the event a standout.

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Auckland will become a little more cultured this weekend, with the Auckland Art Fair back for its third year.

This year’s art fair promises to be the biggest and best yet, with 40 New Zealand and Australian art galleries displaying works from a variety of well-known artists.

Auckland Art Fair director Jennifer Buckley says the inclusion of galleries from both sides of the Tasman makes the event a standout.

"The fair has a strong
transtasman dialogue. It gives an incredible scope across the galleries of New Zealand and Australia.

"It gives people a real opportunity to look at these galleries without having to leave their country," she says.

It also enables Aucklanders to see galleries from all around New Zealand.

The top 10 galleries from Sydney and Melbourne will be showing works, along with 30 galleries from across New Zealand.

Whitespace gallery director Deborah White agrees the art fair is a fantastic event, and goes a long way in promoting local artists.

"New Zealand has got a strong art community, and I think it’s starting to get increasingly recognised. I think the art fair is a big part of that."

The art fair, to be held at the Marine Events Centre on Halsey St, will have a variety of exhibits, including visual art, such as paintings, as well as a sculpture court featuring three-dimensional works.

The fact there is a wide range of art in the one location makes it easier for the viewer, says Ms Buckley.

"Normally you have to make an effort to go and visit a lot of individual galleries. This gives you a chance to have a shorthand view.

"You can see 20 or 30 galleries in the space of an afternoon."

Ms White also says it is a great way for the public to view art without feeling intimidated.

"People can just come in and wander around freely," she says.

"We’re hoping that once people come and find the galleries they like, they will continue to visit them on a regular basis."

The Auckland Art Fair will be officially opened this Friday night, with a lecture by Don Thompson, whose book and ideas refer to the melding of the artworld and the business world.

The fair runs until Sunday. Tickets are available from www.iticket.co.nz.

– Cameron Bakker is an AUT journalism student

- © Fairfax NZ News