Exhibitions
Events
On display
Judy Darragh: The Grid
Event
Past event
Bayleys Knight Frank Foyer
Free
Join us this Labour Weekend and take part in a big artist’s take-over project involving a riot of colour and a heap of bright bright paper-based tape.
Work with Judy Darragh to make grids over the glass surfaces in the Bayleys Knight Frank Foyer and maybe make an object together from the tape afterwards - we will see what emerges. This is your chance to make friends with art and get busy with tape!
Darragh is much-loved art world figure in Aotearoa New Zealand for her vigorous relationship with materials. Her work is rich with the stuff of consumerism, feminism in practice, and dazzling fluorescents. With a long history as a maker, educator and collaborator, she is an all-round queen of style.
At 3pm on Sunday there will also be a performance from the University of Canterbury Percussion Ensemble - stick around for that.
Related reading: Family event, Free event, Family and kids
Collection
Judy Darragh Cats and Dogs
Since the 1970s, Judy Darragh has explored the tensions between high and low art, and the difference between what is tasteful or tacky. In the early 2000s, she turned her focus to the cheap plastic ware that had become ubiquitous in New Zealand. “Where once there was a second-hand shop, there is now a two-dollar shop – the 2-minute high from the $2.00 spend.” Here, that overwhelming artificial deluge is paralleled by another – a quivering shower of fluorescent objects raining down ‘like cats and dogs’.
(We do this, 12 May 2018 - 26 May 2019)
Collection
Judy Darragh Rug
Judy Darragh repurposes familiar everyday materials with humour and irony, creating new objects alive with possibility. She often uses discarded items, but this gravity-defying work was made from something new and mass produced – a cheap, synthetic Persian-style rug. Poised at the point of take-off, it’s a cut-rate magic carpet that both applauds and lampoons the potential of ‘great’ art to transport us into unknown realms.
(We do this, 12 May 2018 - 26 May 2019)
Notes
Public programmes take centre stage at the Gallery this spring
Visitors to the Gallery will be spoilt for choice this month, with some of the best art in New Zealand on display alongside a rich calendar of public programmes.
In addition to amazing art and exhibitions, our impressive spring events calendar brings together a range of artist talks, films and activities, so there’s bound to be something for everyone to enjoy.
Event
Hawkins by Rata Lovell-Smith
Join guide volunteer guide Susan Bidwell as she discusses Rata Lovell-Smith's Hawkins in From Here on the Ground on the first floor.
Event
Taranaki by Christopher Perkins
Join curator Ken Hall as he discusses Christopher Perkins's Taranaki in From Here on the Ground on the first floor.
Event
Artists' Toolbox Term 2 2024
Do you know a young person who loves to make art? Artists' Toolbox is a seven-week after-school course that runs each term on Wednesdays.
Designed for 8-12 year olds, the lessons cover the ‘how to’ skills that every young artist can use to develop their artwork. Students will draw, paint, print and sculpt their way through a series of activities that will teach them the artists' tools such as tone, depth, space and colour. Perfect for the young artist who is keen to sharpen their skills. Each term is a slightly different programme and all materials are provided.
Event
Sign Language Tours
Celebrate Sign Language Week and take a free guided tour of our exhibition highlights with one of our guides and a sign language interpreter.
Event
Oh Baby, It's Art!
A free, guided art tour especially for parents with babies. Buggies welcome.
Event
Art Safari
A chance for pre-schoolers to paint, glue, print, stamp and colour without making a mess at home. Art Safari is designed for our youngest budding artists between 2-4 years old.
Event
Late Night Tour
Take a free guided tour of our exhibition highlights with one of our friendly, knowledgeable guides.
Notes
A is for Abstract...
Jairus, Hault, Murtaza, Acacia, Jessica, Peteseta, Brook and Aiyanna from Bishopdale Primary School brought their A-game to the Gallery last week when they came to see our show 'Gordon Walters: New Vision'.
Notes
Bishopdale School Rulez
These Year 6 students at Bishopdale Primary School have knocked it out of the park with their AMAZING glitter artworks from our new ART-TASTIC activity book.
Event
Introduction to the Gallery Tour
Take a free guided tour of our exhibition highlights with one of our friendly, knowledgeable guides.