Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Situated on 582 Karangahape Road in Auckland, the Bergman Gallery opened on June 25 to a warm Pacific welcome. Directed by the Galleries director Ben Bergman and Manager Benny Chan.
The Exhibition began with a Tūrou welcome ceremony for special guests that included a delegation from the Cook Islands with the Minister of Cultural Development, George Maggie Angene, Cultural Development Secretary Anthony Turua and Cook Islands Consular Officer Keu Mataroa.
Gallery director Ben Bergam says, “we are constantly exploring new opportunities for the artists that we represent. The new exhibition space in Auckland evolves the gallery mission to develop and exhibit Pacific artists on a domestic, regional and international level.
Our extension into the largest Pacific city in the world is an important part of that strategy,” says Bergman.
Bergman Gallery Te Atuitanga Exhibition has brought together an exciting and eclectic group of Artists, each with their own unique range of media and influences. Several of the artists are close friends and have supported each other’s work over the years.
The exhibition showcases work from Mahiriki Tangaroa, Andy Leleisi’uao, Benjamin Work, Raymond Sagapolutele, Telly Tuita, Nina Oberg Humphries, Michel Tuffery, Kulimoe’anga Stone Maka and Sylvia Marsters.
Renowned Cook Island painter Sylvia Marsters shared her experiences as an artist and contributing to the exhibition. Sylvia came into contact with Ben Bergman during three months in Rarotonga, with Creative New Zealand’s Cook Islands residency in 2003.
“There was a vibrant Arts community in Rarotonga at the time. Ben Bergman, being one of those driving forces.
Regular trips to Rarotonga gave us the opportunity to discuss and develop projects over the years. With the goal to always support and elevate the Arts in the Pacific region,” adds Marsters.
Sylvia looks forward to meeting Nina Oberg Humphries and Telly Tuita for the first time and highlights that both artists have vibrant and powerful work.
“I’ve had some exciting Arts adventures with Bergman Gallery. There are no mountains too high for this gallerist. Representing Rarotonga in New York during the annual Art Fair was an absolute highlight. Although, of course, every exhibition in Rarotonga is always something special.”
Their latest exhibition Te Atuitanga – Between our Cloak of Stars is currently on show.
