Such a treat that we got to take a peek into New Zealand's contemporary art scene at Auckland Art Fair 2021, a day before the event was cancelled.
I first fell in love with the arts when I was told by the managing editor of Billionaire (the magazine I used to work for) to write an article about Art Basel Miami 2015. I knew nothing of the industry, and had been so frightened by the idea of commenting on million-dollar pieces, but as I dug deeper into the cultural and commercial values of white-walled spaces splashed with interesting pieces, I became enthralled. The stories, the history, the colours, the richness.
So, when I saw an ad for the Auckland Art Fair 2021, I told my husband that's what I wanted for my birthday: A ticket to the fair so I can be surrounded by hues, textiles, pigments, textures; just a menagerie of modern art.
From Melbourne-born artist David Keating's hilarious and imaginative drawings made with archival ink to the ethereal water-wind-and-sky works by Auckland-based painter Greer Clayton, I enjoyed every second of close contact with walls after walls of wonder.
Social distancing wasn't mandatory either although in hindsight, we should have still practiced it anyway as before our day ended, it was announced that Auckland was going into a semi-lockdown the next day on 28 February, the final day of Auckland Art Fair 2021.
The five-day event therefore had to have its last day cancelled. We're so thankful that we were still able to view some awesome pieces in the flesh. We didn't take anything home with us, not even the @squiggla we made while seated on bean bags at the balcony of The Cloud, overlooking the Waitematā Harbour—with a certain 9m-tall stainless steel gnome by Kiwi artist sculptor Gregor Kregar simultaneously dominating and reflecting the view. Couldn't ask for a more perfect day out!
Also, try spotting my @squiggla below!
Can't wait for Auckland Art Fair 2022.
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