The organisers of Waiheke Island’s Perpetual Guardian Sculpture on the Gulf 2022 (SOTG 2022) have now finalised the line-up of artists who will take part in next year’s event, having received what its Board describes as “an incredible response” to its call for submissions.
Fiona Blanchard, as a member of the four-person selection panel, says the process involved initially identifying 34 artists to progress to the second phase of selection.
Artists were then asked to refine their proposed works, including the consideration of sites and materials, before the selection panel settled upon their final 25 participants.
“We are extremely excited about the diversity of concepts and approaches to contemporary sculpture”, enthuses Blanchard. “The quality of the artworks will continue to establish the reputation of Sculpture on the Gulf as a world-class event.”
SOTG 2022 will bring together artists from communities across Aotearoa, including Waiheke Island and while some emerging artists will exhibit for the first time, a number of established artists will be familiar from previous years.
Blanchard says “Through the range of works selected for SOTG 2022 we aim to create an event that appeals to our broad audiences; sparking curiosity, conversation and developing understanding about the ideas and experience of contemporary art.”
The biennial exhibition, which began in 2003, will take place 4-20 March 2022. As in previous years, SOTG 2022 will once again display outdoor sculptures along a two-kilometre stretch of the western Waiheke coastline near Matiatia.
The 2022 exhibition will also be supported by an exhibition of featured sculptors’ artworks at the Waiheke Community Art Gallery, and an education program.
“Our artists have the gift of a truly spectacular setting – Waiheke Island and Tīkapa Moana / the Hauraki Gulf – both as a location and a source of inspiration for their works,” notes Blanchard. “It’s a unique event which is sure to attract art lovers from all over Aotearoa.”
With over 30,000 visitors expected to visit SOTG 2022 over the course of its two-week run, Blanchard recommends that prospective attendees start planning their visit well in advance.
“Waiheke Island is a spectacular destination to visit at any time of year, but particularly in late summer. With so many wonderful experiences and hospitality options on offer, why not stay a night or two, treat yourself to an amazing dining experience, visit the beaches, enjoy the motu,” she suggests.
The list of participating artists is as follows:
- Martin Basher
- Brit Bunkley & Andrea Gardner
- Francisco Carbajal
- James Cousins
- Jane Downes
- Johl Dwyer
- Lang Ea
- Margaret Feeney
- Debbie Fish
- Anton Forde
- Wanda Gillespie
- Charlotte Graham
- Aiko Groot
- Natalie Guy
- Tyler Jackson
- Virginia King
- Te Rongo Kirkwood
- Melissa Laing
- Virginia Leonard
- Isabella Loudon
- Chris Moore
- Kazu Nakagawa & Salome Tanuvasa
- Denis O’Connor
- Jonas Raw
- Sally Smith
