Art show ‘going big’ for first time in Wellington
The scale and size of Wellington’s newest event centre Tākina has attracted one of the country’s most successful touring art shows.
Realising a growing demand for large signature artwork and statement pieces, the new art show will be including these large works inside the exhibition.
John and Kate Morrison are bringing Art Shows Across Aotearoa to Wellington later this month saying Tākina’s “luxurious venue provides the best space to exhibit art and sculpture on a grandiose scale”.
“Large statement sculpture is a big focus of this show and it is an exciting opportunity to see works that artists have created on a larger scale to exhibit here,” Kate Morrison said.
The scale of work was an opportunity for people to access the power of large art to transform their homes and gardens.
“Going big is the theme here. Get ready for more amazing large art pieces. Large wall art is here with dimensions beginning at 1.5-2 metres – giving you the wow factor.”
One of their exhibiting artists, sculptor Steuart Welch, of Marton, said it would be his first opportunity to show his works in Wellington. “I make bigger and bigger stuff, but if I wanted to sell, there was no place that I had managed to find in Wellington, yet, that will handle my size work.”
He was excited to finally get a show there because he regarded it as “our city”.
Welch creates large corten steel abstract pieces that benefit from space.
“It doesn’t just become pure decoration, it actually starts to occupy a place. A good sculpture will own an area.
“I heard somebody say, good sculpture reveals what you can’t see, and puts into words what you can’t speak.”
John Morrison said Tākina had the space for artists to utilise and they planned to have every artist there to curate their own exhibit. “Artists being available to tell you their story is key to this show. If you are curious about an art piece – then talk directly with the artist,” he said.
“Enjoying a good chat with the artist is always a fun and rewarding experience.”
The show includes not only large works – there will be more than 4000 artworks on show from many mediums, wall art of all descriptions, ceramics and jewellery.
The show also offered “a more exclusive experience” with tickets for the VIP preview or opening night available to give the best view of the artworks. Having just completed a show in Christchurch a few weeks ago, it’s the event’s first time to Wellington and then they move on to Auckland and Queenstown later in the year.
– Art Shows Across Aotearoa (ASAA) is presenting The Wellington Art Show from April 19-21 at Tākina, Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.