Karen Walker is one of Aotearoa’s most internationally recognised creative voices, whose career has taken New Zealand design to a global stage.
Drawn to art’s ability to challenge, disrupt, and ask questions, she approaches art collecting with curiosity and instinct – an influence that carries through her work as a fashion designer.
Ahead of Aotearoa Art Fair, we spoke with Karen about the artworks that have shaped her world, the joy of collecting, and how her Britomart store transforms into a dynamic, light-filled space for contemporary artists.
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Fashion and art often intersect in your work. What role has visual art played in shaping your creative thinking over the years?
Fashion is, of course, a creative practice, but it comes with its own set of rules and constraints — some necessary, some inherited. Visual art feels freer to me. It has no obligation to be wearable, saleable, or even comfortable. That freedom allows ideas to be pushed further, to be more challenging, more disruptive. Art, at its best, unsettles things. It asks questions rather than providing answers. That openness — the breadth of thought and possibility — has always been deeply influential for me, and continues to feed the way we think creatively as a team.
Michael Parekowhai, Ed Brown, 2000
What was the first artwork you ever bought or lived with, and what drew you to it?
My first real art purchase was “Ed Brown” – one of Michael Parekowhai’s sparrows in 2000. It’s lived with me ever since. What captivated me was its presence — its majesty, really. People are often surprised by it. More than once, visitors have mistaken it for an eagle or something far more quotidian than a sparrow. There’s something in the angle of the head, the sense of dominance and quiet strength, that elevates it beyond the ordinary. I love that contradiction — the everyday made monumental.
How does living with art influence the atmosphere of a home or studio?
For me, I choose art that brings me joy. For someone starting their collection, what do you think is the most important instinct to trust when choosing a work? Does it make you feel something? If not, it’s just paint on canvas. Aotearoa has such a distinctive contemporary art scene.
Julia Holderness, Garden at Loxley, 2022, courtesy SANDERSON
Are there particular artists or practices here that you find especially exciting right now?
We’re thrilled to be hosting Monica Rani Rudhar and Jess Swney with Foėnander Galleries, and Julia Holderness and Josephine Cachemaille with Sanderson Gallery in our Britomart store during this Art Fair season. Artists I’ve long admired include Lisa Reihana and Michael Parekowhai — true icons. And, of course, our home would be unimaginable without the work of my favourite artist of all, and our artist-in-residence, my husband, Mikhail.
During the art fair, Karen Walker will be hosting a pop-up gallery space in collaboration with the Art Fair. Can you tell us a little bit about this?
It’s a real privilege to be hosting these local artists, Monica Rani Rudhar, Jess Swney, Julia Holderness and Josephine Cachemaille in our Britomart store. The space itself is constantly evolving — it has beautiful natural light, a very high stud, and a strong architectural presence thanks to Cheshire Architects. It feels like the perfect environment for art — generous, open, and alive — and we’re excited to see these works inhabit the space in their own way.
What makes an art fair, like the Aotearoa Art Fair, such a unique way to experience and discover art?
I love the energy of an art fair. Seeing work in galleries is important, but there’s something uniquely exhilarating about bringing so many artists and galleries together in one place. There’s an intensity to it — a sense of generosity and openness — where anyone can wander in, whether they’re a seasoned collector or simply curious. That collective energy creates a joyous, electric atmosphere that’s very hard to replicate elsewhere.
Learn more about McLeavey Gallery’s presentation at the Fair here
Aotearoa Art Fair returns to the Viaduct Events Centre from 30 April – 3 May. Tickets are on sale now.
