Sculpture On The Gulf Announces Preliminary Artist Lineup For 2024’s “Anything Can Happen” Exhibition

The outdoor exhibition showcasing art and sculpture on Waiheke Island, Perpetual Guardian Sculpture on the Gulf (SOTG), today announces its preliminary artist lineup and Gateway Pavilion installation promising to captivate audiences in 2024.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the renowned event scheduled for next February will once again be nestled amidst the breathtaking backdrop of Matiatia Bay on a 2.5 km coastal walkway. Over the next seven months New Zealand-based and linked artists will work on ambitious art installations to present.

SOTG curators Robert Leonard and Brett Graham say, “We wanted to make an exhibition that might surprise audiences familiar with Sculpture on the Gulf from previous years. That’s why we gave it the title Anything Can Happen.

“While the full artist lineup is under development, preliminary artists confirmed to participate in Sculpture on the Gulf include a diverse range of approaches and perspectives to ensure an immersive and engaging experience for all visitors.”

From large-scale sculptural installations that explore indigenous histories, politics, and philosophies of Brett Graham (Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, Tainui) to Eddie Clemens exploring the intersections of film, photography, and performance. Natalie Guy is a sculptor who explores the legacy of mid-century modernism through her work.

SOTG is also delighted to announce 2024 will mark the events 20th anniversary, with a Gateway Pavilion project titled Tall Hutt to be installed on the Matiatia foreshore.

Tall Hutt is a collaboration between Moller Architects and artist Areez Katki and the sculpture will welcome visitors to the exhibition and set the stage for the visual feast for your senses that awaits. The lightweight wooden frame, cloaked in fabric and woven with pattern and colour, will be a celebration of its surroundings and the traditional construction techniques of the Pacific. Deeply rooted in its place on the Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana, the pavilion will reflect a volcanic formation; a 12m vertical shaft spirals upward, drawing together the land, the sea, and the sky.

As the newly appointed director of SOTG, Fiona Blanchard is thrilled about the opportunity to lead the exhibition into its next phase.

"After two decades of Sculpture on the Gulf, we’re excited to present a fresh, fully curated exhibition that showcases significant artists and explores contemporary and unexpected approaches to sculpture,” says Fiona. “From the time visitors arrive and witness the towering beacon of Tall Hut on the Matiatia foreshore, they will be surprised, intrigued, and excited by the exhibition and the Waiheke experience. It will be a truly immersive opportunity where ‘anything can happen’. We can’t wait for everyone to join us at Sculpture on the Gulf 2024.”

SOTG will open to the public on 24 February and will run until 24 March. The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of events, including artist talks, workshops, and guided tours, providing visitors with an opportunity to delve deeper into the world of contemporary sculpture.

The preliminary artists confirmed for the SOTG 2024 are:

ENDS

For additional details about Sculpture on the Gulf 2024, such as a media kit, information about the chair, director, curators, and artists, as well as images, please visit https://sotg.nz/.

For images of Perpetual Guardian Sculpture on the Gulf 2022, visit Peter Rees Photography.
To download images, enter the password: Waiheke. Please credit images to Peter Rees.

About Sculpture on the Gulf:
Sculpture on the Gulf is a biennial exhibition that showcases contemporary outdoor sculpture in the picturesque setting of Matiatia Bay, Waiheke Island. Since its inception 20 years ago, Sculpture on the Gulf has been dedicated to promoting and celebrating the work of artists from New Zealand and beyond. The event has gained international recognition for its commitment to artistic excellence and its ability to engage and inspire audiences. The exhibition takes place along a 2.5 km trail, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Waiheke Island while experiencing a diverse range of sculptures. From large-scale installations to intricate and delicate pieces, Sculpture on the Gulf offers a unique opportunity to engage with art in a stunning outdoor environment. For more information about Sculpture on the Gulf, please visit www.sotg.nz.

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