Contemporary art galleries
The art scene is thriving in Wellington with a close-knit group of dealer galleries providing contemporary art for sale.
From the celebrated to the seldom seen — the New Zealand Portrait Gallery (NZPG) is a repository of art reflecting the country’s inhabitants. Its mission is to tell the stories of New Zealanders through the art of portraiture.
The NZPG is housed in Shed 11, a historic converted wharf building on Wellington’s waterfront. With Wellington Museum and Te Papa nearby, it forms a central-city cultural hub. Its regularly changing exhibition schedule serves two purposes. It can be viewed as a record of current and past Kiwi art practice as well as the stories of its inhabitants.
Jess O'Brien
The subjects can range from famous and influential New Zealanders who have shaped the country’s development to everyday people. All have stories that add to the rich and dynamic culture of Aotearoa. You might see portraits of politicians, literary heroes, activists, visionaries or villains. Exhibitions might concentrate on Tangata Whenua, migrant communities, or concentrate on a social movement. Previous shows have been devoted to the work of one artist. No matter what the subject, the exhibitions allow audiences to engage with New Zealand’s unique culture. You can see how people have shaped and influenced perspectives, history, and creativity.
The Wellington Harbour Board originally built Shed 11 in 1905. It had a long association with shipping and played an important role in the trading and commercial life of the city. The NZPG moved in in 2010. The building’s long narrow footprint and tall ceilings make it a grand space to display art in. Despite its industrial origins, the building is striking with decorative motifs and Dutch-style lintels over the main doors.
The NZPG is not just a gallery. It has a community outreach programme and encourages people to engage with portraiture practice. It hosts two biennial competitions — the Adam Portraiture Award and the Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award. It conducts a lecture series and free monthly portrait classes. Entry to the gallery is free.
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