Vital signs

Auckland Art Fair 2009 was seen as a test of the contemporary art market in a challenging economic climate. It was a test well passed, with the fair enjoying a 40% increase in visitor numbers and buoyant sales reported by exhibitors. In a Radio New Zealand interview, Hamish Coney told Lynn Freeman that the fair was “a shot in the arm for the arts industry”.

The positivity was echoed by Hamish Keith who, in a recent NZ Listener column, wrote, “the idea that art flourishes on adversity is not one I like to encourage…but flourishing, art obviously is, and the opening of the Auckland Art Fair at the end of last month was one of the buzziest occasions I have experienced in half a century of messing around in the arts.”

It seems that other parts of the world are also showing signs of economic life. In Switzerland, the Art Basel celebrated its 40th anniversary with a surprisingly successful fair. The recession compelled exhibitors to bring their best game: including important and rare works by artists ranging from Agnes Martin to Joseph Beuys, and reports are that sales, while not on a par with 2007, were very strong.

It can’t be too tough out there. Local dealer Gary Langsford says that one of his artists was invited to fly to Basel on a private jet but the trip had to be cancelled due to a lack ‘parking’ on the tarmac…

Down the road from the big fair, Auckland Gallery Michael Lett took part, for the second time, in Liste, the Young Basel Art Fair, presenting works by Simon Denny and Campbell Patterson (who he also showed at the Auckland Art Fair).

From the Venice Biennale, the first wave of supporters, including a patrons group headed by Dayle Mace and Jenny Gibbs, have returned raving about the New Zealand artist’s works in situ: The Judy Millar painting installation, Giraffe-Bottle-Gun, at the Chiesa della Maddalena, and Francis Upritchard’s Save Yourself at the Fondazione Claudio Buziol.

For a virtual tour of the exhibitions and some great blogs, visit Creative New Zealand’s Venice weblink below.

At the Australian Pavilion at Venice, Sydney artist Shaun Gladwell presents a video installation 'maddestmaximvs' featuring the Australian hinterland and its endemic roadkill.

In early August, we will recommence our monthly e-news bulletins, bringing you highlights of some of the exhibitions on at galleries near you. Until then, happy viewing.

Jennifer Buckley
Director - Auckland Art Fair

Judy Millar is represented in Auckland by Gow Langsford
Frances Upritchard is represented in Auckland by Ivan Anthony.
Shaun Gladwell is represented in Australia by Anna Schwartz.