I’m not sure if it’s the late 20s curse or my career transition in teaching that makes me fear going out late on weeknights. Either way, it has to be something well worth it for me to ditch the nana robes. Late Night Art runs as part of the annual Artweek Auckland. I love celebrating the visual arts…but I never went.
What made it different this year was that the whole of Artweek Auckland fell on school holidays this year. Hurrah! This means putting aside the teacher persona and being able to smirk at all the loose children running around knowing that it is absolutely, not my problem. 
It’s a whole night of late night galleries, live art events and streetArtdego – collaboration with artists and food vendors to create something extra special for the tastebuds.
My absolute favourites Judge Bao and Pie Piper had their stalls right beside each other. So lovely to see Debbie, Jamie and Danielle as each other’s sidekicks again!
Judge Bao collaborated with the taiko performing group Haere Mai Taiko to create a special bao for the night: tempura trevally (so perfectly seasoned and fried) with kawakawa mayo and slaw on a painted bao. Photos just don’t do justice to how beautiful the bao looked.
Now I could walk past the pie and donut stand without being tempted. But Pie Piper makes the most kick-ass desserts. For that night, they collaborated with poet and author Courtney Sina Meredith to dish up a rose apple pie. Everything from the crust to the filling brought the final nod of satisfaction to the meal.
Other highlights included:
- 10 minute portraits at the Chancery Square – which took around 2hrs to queue for, so that was promptly off my list. But had you the patience and a full stomach, the portraits drawn were creative and something you would keep for a long time.
- Drawing Club on Little High Street – the talent of people was truely humbling. If you’re not one for pen and paper drawing yourself, you can still enjoy the work of those around you. Even with the same subject being drawn, it was amazing to see everyone’s interpretation.
- The Corsini Collection at the Art Gallery. The intricate Renaissance and Baroque art works ooze opulence, and the attention to detail is beyond words from our digital print generation. The dedication of the Corsini family to collect art through WWII and the 1966 flood of Florence shows true dedication – right through to the 1630 painting of St Andrea Corsini which still has bullet holes in it.
- Down to quirky street performances open for your interpretation..
Was it worth it? Most definitely. Most of the events are free and it’s truly a celebration of the local and international talent that we’re privileged have.
Thank you for the businesses and organisers behind it who make it possible for Artweek Auckland to run for its 7th season!
