Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the renowned event scheduled for February 2024 will once again be nestled amidst the picturesque 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.”

In next year’s artist lineup we’ll see large-scale sculptural installations that explore the indigenous histories, politics, and philosophies of Brett Graham, Eddie Clemens exploring the intersections of film, photography, and performance, through to Natalie Guy’s exploration of the legacy of mid-century modernism.

SOTG has also announced that 2024 will mark the event’s 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.”

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.

Below see SOTG’s 2024 preliminary artist lineup:

Martin Basher
b. 1979, New Zealand.
Based in New York.
Represented by Starkwhite.

Eddie Clemens
b. 1977, New Zealand.
Based in Auckland.
eddieclemens.com

Brett Graham (Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, Tainui)
b. 1967, New Zealand.
Based in Auckland.
Represented by Gow Langsford.

Natalie Guy (Ngāpuhi, Ngāruahine)
b. 1964, New Zealand.
Based in Auckland.
natalieguy.com

Lonnie Hutchinson (Kai Tahu, Ngāti Kuri ki Kai Tahu, Samoan)
b. 1963, New Zealand.
Based in Christchurch. Represented by Milford Galleries.

Areez Katki
b. 1989, India.
Based in Auckland & Mumbai.
Represented by Tim Melville Gallery, McLeavey Gallery, and TARQ Gallery (Mumbai).

Zac Langdon Pole
b. 1988, New Zealand.
Based in Auckland and Berlin.
Represented by Michael Lett Gallery.

Isabella Loudon
b. 1994, New Zealand.
Based in Wellington.
Represented by Robert Heald Gallery, Wellington.

Denis O’Connor
b. 1947, New Zealand.
Based on Waiheke.
Represented by Two Rooms Gallery.