FAIR MELBOURNE

If the art world seemed a little quiet here in New Zealand last week, it was because practically everyone was in Melbourne!

Several hundred New Zealanders were among the nearly 3000 people attending the 20th Biennial Melbourne Art Fair Vernissage. A further 25,000 visitors attended the fair over the following 4 days, engaging with 3000 works by 900 artists in 80 galleries.

In addition to the exhibitions, there were some great independent satellite projects including an 8M tall robot, by NZ born artist Ronnie van Hout, sprawled like a fallen giant in the forecourt, and commissioned works by David Griggs and Peter Hennessey in the foyer.

NZ was well represented by a contingent of seven galleries (Gow Langsford, Jensen, Sue Crockford/Michael Lett, Bowen, Hamish McKay, and Page Blackie) all of whom had great looking stands, in prominent positions and reported brisk sales on opening night.

More Kiwis in the spotlight: NZ Born Melbourne based artist Daniel Crooks, walked – or rather ran - away with the $100K at the inaugural Basil Sellers Art Prize, beating 14 other finalists, including fellow NZ born Melburnian Richard Lewer.

Auckland Art Fair looks forward to returning the hospitality shown to our Kiwi artists and gallerists by hosting several of Australia’s top galleries, as well as some key collectors and curators, at our own event next May. We just won’t mention the rugby.

Jennifer Buckley
Director, Auckland Art Fair