We spoke to Ruth Buchanan, Kaitohu Director at Artspace Aotearoa, about her tips for exploring Auckland.
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What makes Auckland stand out as a cultural destination?
Set amongst a field of 53 volcanoes the city is uniquely situated to be a potent creative environment. The strength of and the exchange between artists of multiple generations in an intimate community is what makes this city so special and enables the constant high quality exhibitions of contemporary artists.
After a day of exploring the Aotearoa Art Fair, where would you go for dinner and drinks to continue the evening?
I enjoy the Malaysian restaurant Sri Penang which has withstood the changing dynamics of Karangahape Rd and continues to be a stalwart for artists heading for kai. For a drink I’d visit the recently opened Goblin, upstairs on Ponsonby Rd, its chalky blue entrance area is fantastic. I’m really looking forward to trying Blue, the new project by the Roses whānau when that opens at the top of Franklin Rd.
Image: Concrete Playground
Do you have a favourite public art installation or mural in the city? What makes it special?
The Lighthouse by Michael Parekōwhai at the waterfront is a fantastic expression of the complexity of lived experience in Aotearoa and how this can be captured in sculpture.
Image: Auckland Live
What exhibitions coincide with the Aotearoa Art Fair that you recommend to someone visiting the city?
Artspace Aotearoa opens its annual solo exhibition at the time of the fair. This annual exhibition generally presents a more challenging position and approach to exhibition making, this time will be no exception as we present new work by international artists, experimental composer and conductor Ethan Braun and graphic designer Lina Grumm. They have developed a sonic spatial scape ready to explore. Maungarongo Te Kawa also has a solo exhibition at Te Uru in Titirangi during this time, and his work always brings the noise—it’s inspiring and delightful.
Learn more about Artspace Aotearoa artspace-aotearoa.nz