Show gives hundreds of artists a chance to shine
The country’s largest and most successful art show is returning to the Wellington waterfront as a beacon for artists and art enthusiasts alike.
The 2024 show opening in late May promises to be an extraordinary exhibition showcasing the works of more than 200 artists in Wellington's TSB Arena and Shed 6.
More than 2000 inspiring artworks crafted exclusively for this event will be unveiled, celebrating 21 years of connecting art lovers to art.
Wellington artists feature prominently in the show including Tracey-Lea Morgan who loves to explore how patterns relate to identity.
Morgan, a self-taught artist based in Wellington and Wairarapa, embarked on a dual path of fulltime work and self-taught painting in 2003.
The endeavour initially proved challenging, marked by frustration and moments of self-doubt as she strove to bridge the gap between her artistic vision and technical skill.
Twenty years later she has just completed a Master of Fine Arts and is excited about getting her own wall at the show to display her new body of work.
“This time having a solo artist wall is quite a big deal for me because it feels like a bit of a spotlight. I’m trying to frame it as excitement and not just terror.”
Annual visits to the show provided Morgan with some of her inspiration for the development of her artistic journey.
“It’s always appealed to me that the New Zealand Art Show was something that families and ordinary people would go to. I always felt more comfortable being able to present there.”
Another Wellington artist, Richard Thurston, will be showing his abstracted seascapes captured through photography which invite viewers into the mysteries of the unknown.
His piece Flamenco Steps earned him the People's Choice Award at last year's show.
Show director Carla Russell said they were proud to represent such a range of talented artists.
"The calibre of artists participating in this year's show is truly exceptional,“she said.
“They continuously push the boundaries of their respective mediums, challenging themselves to explore new avenues of creativity. It's an honour to showcase their remarkable talents.”
Hailing from all regions of New Zealand, these artists bring with them a rich tapestry of styles and mediums, from representational to abstract, street art to expressive, and everything in between, Russell said.
The diversity of their creations, including paintings, photography, ceramics, glass, woodwork, metalwork, digital prints, and more, reflected the vibrant and dynamic nature of the country’s artistic landscape.
A full list of the artists can be viewed on its website.
The show has a commitment to accessibility and affordability, with the majority of works priced below $5000.
– The 2024 NZ Art Show will be held at Wellington's TSB Arena and Shed 6 over King's Birthday Weekend, May 31 to June 2.