Your gallery is located in Wellington Central, how does the community and neighbourhood around you inform the gallery?
Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington is a fantastic small city, punching well above its weight. It is progressive, collegial, and collaborative. Since opening in 2018, we have had a huge amount of support from the Wellington Arts community, both from my existing networks and new supporters. In particular, the public gallery curators and directors, and other dealers have been super supportive of the gallery and our artists and programme.
Can you tell us about how Jhana Millers Gallery came into existence?
Initially I trained in Contemporary Jewellery and Fine Arts. While studying for my Masters I was managing a non-profit philanthropic gallery in central Wellington, 30Upstairs, owned by Art Collector Malcolm Brow. The gallery supported recent arts graduates and, in many cases, gave them their first exhibition outside of the University institution — some of these artists are Kāryn Taylor, Emma McIntyre, Yolunda Hickman. At the gallery I worked alongside Jade Townsend from Season, and Pauline Autet, from Contemporary Hum. It was here I furthered my experience organising exhibitions and managing a gallery, alongside the experience gained participating in and planning my own exhibitions. I also had several other paid and volunteer arts administrative roles. After 30upstairs ran its course, I chose to open my own gallery to continue to support other artists in their journeys, rather than continue my own arts career.
Who are you bringing to the Aotearoa Art Fair and why?
We are presenting a solo exhibition by early-career artist Hannah Ireland. Hannah is based in Tāmaki Makaurau and has a joint degree in fine arts and psychology. From her teenage years Hannah has been painting portraits, and since graduating from Elam in 2022 has become well known for her ambitious, murky and somewhat haunting works. For this year’s Fair, Hannah is working in paint on canvas and incorporating motifs and patterns as an exploration and expression of her whakapapa.
What’s happening next in the world of Jhana Millers Gallery?
For the rest of the year our focus is on presenting solo exhibitions by our represented artists, with the one exception — we are launching a limited edition print series with an exhibition in May. This will accompany the launch of an online store for books, prints and artworks under $1500. We will also be updating our brand identity and website, hopefully in time for the Fair. Personally, I am finding a work/life balance with the addition of my new baby boy Atticus.
Images
- Right – Jhana Millers portrait in the gallery, Image by Profile Pics
- Jhana Millers exterior
- Hannah Ireland. Up on the Mountain, 2024. Flashe and acrylic on (stitched) canvas. 1450 mm (H) x 1300 mm (W)
- Hannah Ireland. Back To Sea, 2024. Flashe and acrylic on (stitched) canvas. 1400mm (H) x 1300mm (W)
- Hannah Ireland studio portrait
- Jhana with her son Atticus