Explore a diverse range of engaging topics with insights from artists, curators, designers, and collectors. Join us as they share their perspectives and experiences, offering unique insights into the art world and beyond. The Talks Program brings together diverse voices in a series of fun, informative and engaging sessions.
Daily talks are free to attend for all ticket holders.
ROUND TABLE: ART TODAY Friday 19 April | 12PM
Join us for an exciting round table discussion about art, where moderator Becky Hemus will lead a conversation with artists Fatu Feu’u, Michael Zavros, and Zac Langdon-Pole. Get inspired as they share their artistic journeys, what drives them, and how they see art evolving today. This event offers a unique chance to explore creativity and expression in a friendly and accessible way.
Becky Hemus | Moderator
Fatu Feu’u | Speaker
Michael Zavros | Speaker
Zac Langdon-Pole | Speaker
KŌRERO: CONTEMPORARY MĀORI ART Friday 19 April | 1:30PM
Embark on an inspiring journey of introspection with us. Listen to three dynamic young Aotearoa New Zealand artists as they look to Te Ao Māori to explore the pressing issues and themes for them right now. Learn what drives and ignites their passion for art making and the different ways they realise their practice from public art to community based performance. Join Peata Larkin, Stevei Houkamau and Kereama Taepa, in discussion with Sonya Korohina, Director of Tauranga Art Gallery, for an exhilarating and thought-provoking discussion that promises to enlighten and energise.
Sonya Korohina | Moderator
Peata Larkin | Speaker
Kereama Taepa | Speaker
Stevei Houkamau | Speaker
WOMEN’S HOUR Friday 19 April | 3PM
Delve into the intricate landscape of being a woman artist in Aotearoa New Zealand today. Join curator Julia Waite in conversation with artists Gretchen Albrecht, Julia Morison, and Luise Fong as they reflect on their experiences spanning art school in the 60s, 70s, and 80s to present-day life. Explore their journey from art school to securing representation in dealer galleries and their quest for inclusion in exhibitions. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on past challenges and current realities for three of our visionary and pioneering woman artists.
Julia Waite | Moderator
Gretchen Albrecht | Speaker
Julia Morison | Speaker
Luise Fong | Speaker
SCULPTING STORIES: LIVING WITH ART Saturday 20 April | 11:30AM
Ever wondered how art can turn everyday objects into something extraordinary? Join Objectspace Director Kim Paton in conversation with acclaimed artist Joe Sheehan. Together they will discuss two new bodies of work, Surface Tension, exhibited at Aotearoa Art Fair with Tim Melville gallery and Lost & Found, Sheehan’s major public commission, installed last month in Federal Street, Auckland. Each are meditations on the detritus and filler of a material world – a glove, a shoe, an anarchic sea of plastics —rendered in eons old rock. Both bodies of work illustrate the glorious power of his stone carving, it’s impossible to encounter Sheehan’s work without slowing down.
Kim Paton | Moderator
Joe Sheehan | Speaker
QUIZ! SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW ART Saturday 20 April | 1PM
Welcome, art enthusiasts! Join our panel of art aficionados for a game show-style quiz. Explore a myriad of topics related to art and collecting. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn things they don’t teach you in art history and elevate your understanding of the captivating world of art! Plus, there’s a chance to win spot prizes.
Charles Ninow | Moderator
Ruth Buchanan | Speaker
Sue Gardiner | Speaker
Tim Melville | Speaker
HOW I COLLECT Saturday 20 April | 2:15PM
Today, we’re diving into the captivating realm of art collecting. Picture your home adorned with pieces that reflect your taste and personality. But how do you begin? Discover four art collectors’ journeys, view their personal pieces, hear their stories, and glean valuable tips on starting or growing your own collection.
John Gow | Moderator
Toss Grumley | Speaker
Bentley de Beyer | Speaker
Georgia Currie | Speaker
DON’T SCROLL PAST: THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC ART IN A MODERN WORLD Saturday 20 April | 3:30PM
With modernity, communities are under increasing risk of fragmentation due to social, economic, environmental and technological pressures. In a transient, distributed and screen-mediated world, art in public spaces takes on an urgent necessary role in rehabilitating, defining and elevating spaces to encourage discourse. A panel of leading artists, experts and cultural thinkers convened by Deborah McCormick, will discuss the various philosophies, strategies and modes of making.
Deborah McCormick | Moderator
Natasha Smith | Speaker
Gill Gatfield |Speaker
Tavakefai`ana Sēmisi Fetokai Potauaine | Speaker
Rachael Rakena (Ngai Tahu, Nga Puhi) | Speaker
Andrew Paul Wood | Speaker
HOW ART INFORMS THE CREATIVE PROCESS Sunday 21 April | 11:30AM
Join us for a captivating discussion on how art influences creative practices across different fields. Chef Peter Gordon of Homeland Restaurant, architect Andrew Patterson, fashion designer Kate Sylvester, and chef Tom Hishon of Kingi Restaurant and Daily Bread, will share insights on how art inspires their work. From culinary arts to architecture and fashion, this diverse panel will explore the intersections between art and their respective fields, offering a unique perspective on the role of creativity in shaping our world.
Peter Gordon | Speaker
Andrew Patterson | Speaker
Tom Hishon | Speaker
Kate Sylvester | Speaker
STORIES OF ABSTRACTION: THE ARTISTS’ JOURNEY Sunday 21 April | 1PM
Discover the world of abstraction in art with us. Explore how artists Grace Wright and Sara Hughes, known for their larger-scale works, interact with their environment and the spaces they inhabit. Together with Jessica Palalagi, Arts Foundation General Manager, the three will dive into the stories behind the marks they make and the narratives hidden within their creations. We’ll also discuss the unique journey of female artists, often overlooked in traditional art circles. Join us to uncover the rich tapestry of meaning in abstract art.
Jess Palalagi | Moderator
Grace Wright | Speaker
Sara Hughes | Speaker
CREATIVE DUO’S: COLLABORATIONS IN ART Sunday 21 April | 2:30PM
Want to know how to create magic with another artist? Join a discussion on different kinds of creative collaborations and how artists can work together, led by moderator Andrew Clifford with artist collaborators, John Reynolds and Karl Maughan, and Tui Emma Gillies and Sulieti Fiem’a Burrows.
Andrew Clifford | Moderator
John Reynolds & Karl Maughan | Speakers
Tui Emma Gillies & Sulieti Fieme’a Burrows | Speakers
Learn more about the LET'S TALK ART event programme
Learn More / Buy Ticket to the Opening Night
Stay informed with Fair updates: Subscribe to the e-newsletter.{underline} Follow on InstagramFollow on Facebook
Explore a diverse range of engaging topics with insights from artists, curators, designers, and collectors. Join us as they share their perspectives and experiences, offering unique insights into the art world and beyond. The Talks Program brings together diverse voices in a series of fun, informative and engaging sessions.
Daily talks are free to attend for all ticket holders.
ROUND TABLE: ART TODAY Friday 19 April | 12PM
Join us for an exciting round table discussion about art, where moderator Becky Hemus will lead a conversation with artists Fatu Feu’u, Michael Zavros, and Zac Langdon-Pole. Get inspired as they share their artistic journeys, what drives them, and how they see art evolving today. This event offers a unique chance to explore creativity and expression in a friendly and accessible way.
Becky Hemus | Moderator
Fatu Feu’u | Speaker
Michael Zavros | Speaker
Zac Langdon-Pole | Speaker
KŌRERO: CONTEMPORARY MĀORI ART Friday 19 April | 1:30PM
Embark on an inspiring journey of introspection with us. Listen to three dynamic young Aotearoa New Zealand artists as they look to Te Ao Māori to explore the pressing issues and themes for them right now. Learn what drives and ignites their passion for art making and the different ways they realise their practice from public art to community based performance. Join Peata Larkin, Stevei Houkamau and Kereama Taepa, in discussion with Sonya Korohina, Director of Tauranga Art Gallery, for an exhilarating and thought-provoking discussion that promises to enlighten and energise.
Sonya Korohina | Moderator
Peata Larkin | Speaker
Kereama Taepa | Speaker
Stevei Houkamau | Speaker
WOMEN’S HOUR Friday 19 April | 3PM
Delve into the intricate landscape of being a woman artist in Aotearoa New Zealand today. Join curator Julia Waite in conversation with artists Gretchen Albrecht, Julia Morison, and Luise Fong as they reflect on their experiences spanning art school in the 60s, 70s, and 80s to present-day life. Explore their journey from art school to securing representation in dealer galleries and their quest for inclusion in exhibitions. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on past challenges and current realities for three of our visionary and pioneering woman artists.
Julia Waite | Moderator
Gretchen Albrecht | Speaker
Julia Morison | Speaker
Luise Fong | Speaker
SCULPTING STORIES: LIVING WITH ART Saturday 20 April | 11:30AM
Ever wondered how art can turn everyday objects into something extraordinary? Join Objectspace Director Kim Paton in conversation with acclaimed artist Joe Sheehan. Together they will discuss two new bodies of work, Surface Tension, exhibited at Aotearoa Art Fair with Tim Melville gallery and Lost & Found, Sheehan’s major public commission, installed last month in Federal Street, Auckland. Each are meditations on the detritus and filler of a material world – a glove, a shoe, an anarchic sea of plastics —rendered in eons old rock. Both bodies of work illustrate the glorious power of his stone carving, it’s impossible to encounter Sheehan’s work without slowing down.
Kim Paton | Moderator
Joe Sheehan | Speaker
QUIZ! SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW ART Saturday 20 April | 1PM
Welcome, art enthusiasts! Join our panel of art aficionados for a game show-style quiz. Explore a myriad of topics related to art and collecting. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn things they don’t teach you in art history and elevate your understanding of the captivating world of art! Plus, there’s a chance to win spot prizes.
Charles Ninow | Moderator
Ruth Buchanan | Speaker
Sue Gardiner | Speaker
Tim Melville | Speaker
HOW I COLLECT Saturday 20 April | 2:15PM
Today, we’re diving into the captivating realm of art collecting. Picture your home adorned with pieces that reflect your taste and personality. But how do you begin? Discover four art collectors’ journeys, view their personal pieces, hear their stories, and glean valuable tips on starting or growing your own collection.
John Gow | Moderator
Toss Grumley | Speaker
Bentley de Beyer | Speaker
Georgia Currie | Speaker
DON’T SCROLL PAST: THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC ART IN A MODERN WORLD Saturday 20 April | 3:30PM
With modernity, communities are under increasing risk of fragmentation due to social, economic, environmental and technological pressures. In a transient, distributed and screen-mediated world, art in public spaces takes on an urgent necessary role in rehabilitating, defining and elevating spaces to encourage discourse. A panel of leading artists, experts and cultural thinkers convened by Deborah McCormick, will discuss the various philosophies, strategies and modes of making.
Deborah McCormick | Moderator
Natasha Smith | Speaker
Gill Gatfield |Speaker
Tavakefai`ana Sēmisi Fetokai Potauaine | Speaker
Rachael Rakena (Ngai Tahu, Nga Puhi) | Speaker
Andrew Paul Wood | Speaker
HOW ART INFORMS THE CREATIVE PROCESS Sunday 21 April | 11:30AM
Join us for a captivating discussion on how art influences creative practices across different fields. Chef Peter Gordon of Homeland Restaurant, architect Andrew Patterson, fashion designer Kate Sylvester, and chef Tom Hishon of Kingi Restaurant and Daily Bread, will share insights on how art inspires their work. From culinary arts to architecture and fashion, this diverse panel will explore the intersections between art and their respective fields, offering a unique perspective on the role of creativity in shaping our world.
Peter Gordon | Speaker
Andrew Patterson | Speaker
Tom Hishon | Speaker
Kate Sylvester | Speaker
STORIES OF ABSTRACTION: THE ARTISTS’ JOURNEY Sunday 21 April | 1PM
Discover the world of abstraction in art with us. Explore how artists Grace Wright and Sara Hughes, known for their larger-scale works, interact with their environment and the spaces they inhabit. Together with Jessica Palalagi, Arts Foundation General Manager, the three will dive into the stories behind the marks they make and the narratives hidden within their creations. We’ll also discuss the unique journey of female artists, often overlooked in traditional art circles. Join us to uncover the rich tapestry of meaning in abstract art.
Jess Palalagi | Moderator
Grace Wright | Speaker
Sara Hughes | Speaker
CREATIVE DUO’S: COLLABORATIONS IN ART Sunday 21 April | 2:30PM
Want to know how to create magic with another artist? Join a discussion on different kinds of creative collaborations and how artists can work together, led by moderator Andrew Clifford with artist collaborators, John Reynolds and Karl Maughan, and Tui Emma Gillies and Sulieti Fiem’a Burrows.
Andrew Clifford | Moderator
John Reynolds & Karl Maughan | Speakers
Tui Emma Gillies & Sulieti Fieme’a Burrows | Speakers
Learn more about the LET'S TALK ART event programme
Learn More / Buy Ticket to the Opening Night
Stay informed with Fair updates: Subscribe to the e-newsletter.{underline} Follow on InstagramFollow on Facebook
