A Note from Our Director
SUE WAYMOUTH, FAIR DIRECTOR
Image: Art Collector
Contemporary art has the power to shape how we see ourselves and our place in the world. At the Aotearoa Art Fair, we celebrate New Zealand’s distinctive cultural landscape — where Māori, Pacific, and international contemporary practices converge in ways you won’t find anywhere else.
I’m particularly proud of this year’s Fair — our biggest edition yet. Sixty galleries will represent over 200 artists from 25 countries, with a strong international contingent alongside Aotearoa’s leading galleries. Each year we grow not just in size, but in ambition, diversity, and the experiences we offer.
We’re welcoming more international galleries, including Michael Reid (Sydney and Berlin), Alcaston Gallery (Melbourne), Pontone Gallery (London), and Galerie Winkler (Tahiti). I’m equally excited about emerging galleries like PEG Gallery and William Austin Gallery from Wellington, Ann Parker Gallery from Whanganui, and Sydney’s Nasha Gallery and CBD Gallery.
The Fair features internationally renowned artists including Lee Bae, a South Korean artist known for his primarily black works, who has exhibited at Rockefeller Centre and the Venice Biennale (Gow Langsford), Archibald Prize winner Fiona Lowry (N.Smith Gallery), Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori—the first Australian artist with a solo show at Fondation Cartier in Paris (Alcaston Gallery). Also featured are Ruth Ige (McLeavey Gallery), a Nigeria-born artist and winner of the Rydal Art Prize, who has exhibited in Aotearoa Contemporary at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki and the 36th São Paulo Biennale. They are joined by Germany-based Jan Albers (Fox Jensen McCrory) and Ethiopian/South Sudanese artist, Atong Atem (MARS Gallery), whose work has been exhibited at Tate and the V&A Museum in London.
Alongside these international voices, New Zealand artists celebrated on the global stage will feature prominently. A particular highlight is Lisa Reihana‘s In Pursuit of Venus (Infected), appearing at the Fair for the first time outside an art institution, following international touring. Other significant works include a major painting by Bill Hammond, a significant installation by Yuki Kihara. Other highlights include a solo presentation by Judy Millar (Michael Lett), presenting new large-scale paintings; Richard Lewer ({Suite} Gallery), who will exhibit 50 small personal paintings; and Areez Katki (Tim Melville), following recent participation in the Venice Biennale.
We’re expanding House Party—our curated sector for ceramics, craft, and design—and continuing Horizons, our emerging artist programme that has launched careers and led artists to major galleries and international fairs. Horizons 2026, supported by Chapman Tripp, features four curated booths by Kristine Crabb, Matthew Galloway, Chevron Hassett, and Becky Hemus, showcasing emerging talent including Nadia Marychurch, Jimmy Ma’ia’i, Lolani Dalosa, Harrison Freeth, Ed Ritchie, and Megan Brady.
Our role extends beyond presenting exceptional artworks. We create connections: between artists and collectors, between cultures and perspectives, between New Zealand’s vibrant art scene and the wider world. Each conversation sparked, each work acquired, each relationship formed strengthens the ecosystem that sustains contemporary art in our region.
Through our Let’s Talk Art Programme, presented by Aon, we open conversations and champion creative talent. Hear from artists like Reuben Paterson and Ruth Ige, learn about collecting from experienced collectors including Dame Dayle Mace and Christine Fernyhough, and engage with leading curators, academics, and art experts.
Set on Auckland’s stunning waterfront, the Fair welcomes everyone—experienced collectors, first-time visitors, or those simply curious about contemporary art. The city becomes part of the experience, with the Aotearoa Art Fair Sculpture Trail, presented by Viaduct Harbour, featuring 20 large-scale works along the harbour. For the first time, we’ll include international sculptors Braddon Snape and James Rodgers, winner of the prestigious Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2025.
For me, the most exciting part of the Aotearoa Art Fair is the sense of discovery—the moment someone encounters an artwork that surprises them, challenges them, or stays with them long after they leave.
I warmly invite you to join us and experience the Aotearoa Art Fair for yourself. I can’t wait to welcome you!
Ngā mihi,
Sue