Dunedin Welcomes New Art Spaces with Exciting Exhibitions

Dunedin has recently experienced a surge in new art galleries, with the latest addition being an urban gallery for Bellamy’s at Macandrew Bay. Located on Moray Place, this new art space is initially intended to serve as a temporary venue while the Bellamy’s Bay gallery undergoes renovations. However, its vibrant opening exhibition suggests it may become a permanent fixture in the city’s cultural landscape.

The opening showcase features a blend of both new and familiar works, many of which are part of this year’s “Micro + Art” multimedia presentation. Each piece is paired with poetry or prose, enriching the viewer’s experience. Notable contributions from artists such as Manu Berry and Pauline Bellamy stand out. Berry’s bold woodcuts complement Bellamy’s thick acrylic washes that evoke the essence of the land. The exhibition also includes poignant words from Anny Trolove, Lynda Scott Araya, and Diane Brown, with Brown’s writing particularly resonating with visitors.

In addition to Bellamy’s work, artist Kate Stevens West presents intriguing pieces that blend elements of Māori tradition with the whimsical surrealism reminiscent of Marc Chagall. Another installation by Zoe Thompson Moore offers a contrasting perspective, yet finds harmony with two mixed media works: one by John Bellamy and another collaborative piece by Berry and Cassie R-S. Overall, the exhibition provides a compelling introduction to this new artistic venue.

Innovative Approaches in Nearby Exhibitions

Just a short walk away, Hutch Gallery features a captivating exhibition by artist Polly Gilroy. Her work explores the interplay of light, color, and form, but challenges conventional relationships between these elements and the painted surface. Rather than starting with a canvas, Gilroy employs light silk as a muting agent over a painted base. This technique shifts the focus from the surface to the structural elements of the artwork, inviting viewers to engage with the timber and boards that comprise the frames.

Gilroy’s pieces, including the “Light Vestiges” series, present soft pastel colorfield abstractions that transform the viewer’s perception from traditional surface work to the shapes and supports of the artworks. This innovative approach invites an exploration of both the artistic process and the physical construction of each piece.

Exploring Cultural Narratives at Pond Gallery

At the Pond Gallery, the exhibition titled “Ngako” brings together a group of artists whose works engage with themes related to food, urbanization, and their impact on Māori and Pasifika communities. The term “ngako,” which means fat in Māori, serves as a conceptual anchor for this thought-provoking display.

Ron Bull and Simon Kaan have created an interactive installation where gallery visitors dip leafy twigs in food before placing them into a miniature forest. This piece draws on narratives of Māori exile, where twigs symbolize the only available sustenance.

Another highlight is Isaiah Okeroa’s “Sleep Out,” which features a traditionally inspired rug made from flax and cabbage tree fibers. It functions as a screen displaying a video that examines the use of fats in makeup application, blurring the lines between traditional practices and contemporary gender expressions.

Isabella Lepoamo’s contribution stands out with her tapa-inspired images of sea life, inked onto oil-stained paper previously used for fish and chips. This artwork critiques commercialized fishing and oil pollution while reflecting on changing dietary habits. The layered meanings within her work resonate deeply, prompting discussions on sustainability and health.

Overall, Dunedin’s burgeoning art scene is marked by innovative approaches that challenge viewers and encourage dialogue about cultural identity, sustainability, and artistic expression. As these new galleries establish themselves, they promise to enrich the city’s cultural offerings and engage both local and international audiences.