Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, July 12, 2024
Bergman Gallery, a prominent art gallery with international acclaim, is preparing to unveil a ground-breaking exhibition next month that promises to be a significant cultural event. Titled “Belonging: Stories of Contemporary New Zealand Asian Artists,” this exhibition will feature the works of ten emerging Asian artists from Auckland and Waikato, celebrating the rich and diverse heritage of New Zealand’s Asian communities.
About the exhibition
Open from August 1 to August 31, 2024, “Belonging” will be held at Bergman Gallery’s Auckland location. This exhibition is part of an ongoing series curated by Benny Chan, focusing on diasporic New Zealand Asian identity.
Mr Chan has selected ten artists who represent the multifaceted experiences and histories of New Zealand Asians. The roster includes Luise Fong, Tanja McMillan (Misery), Rozana Lee, Rhea Maheshwari, Llenyd Price, Bev Moon, Louie Bretaña, Wei Lun Ha, Andrea Bolima, and Gavin Chai.
This assembly of top Asian artists is a rare and special event in New Zealand’s art scene.
Mr Chan said, “The narrative of New Zealand/Asian immigration is complex, shaped by historical challenges and triumphs. From the gold rush era of the 1860s, when the first Asian immigrants arrived, to the present day, these communities have played a vital role in the country’s development. However, their journey has been marked by significant obstacles, including the infamous Chinese Poll Tax and other forms of discrimination.”
Stories of Identity
Mr Chan said that the exhibition’s theme will be narrating stories of ‘our people,’ from the hardships of the Poll Tax descendants through 160 years of building identity within a New Zealand context.
“Belonging is not an attempt to relitigate historical grievance. It is a celebration of colour, diversity, and love. It is about embracing our combined culture and acknowledging our heritage. It is about community, home, and most importantly, that we belong,” he said.
This exhibition aims to provide a platform for the participating artists to share their personal and communal stories through their works, reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of New Zealand’s Asian diaspora. They explore themes of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage, offering viewers a close glimpse of their experiences.
Two artists of Indian descent are among the participants.
Rhea Maheshwari: A prominent New Zealand-Indian artist who was also featured in this year’s Aotearoa Art Fair. Her work often explores themes of migration and identity, weaving personal narratives with broader social and cultural issues.
Llenyd Price: A New Zealand Fijian-Indian artist whose vibrant and expressive pieces capture the complexity of cultural intersections and the search for identity in a multicultural society.
The exhibition also highlights artists from Southeast Asia, including the following:
Rozana Lee: Representing New Zealand Indonesia, Ms Lee’s work delves into the intersections of culture, memory, and identity, often using textiles and mixed media to create immersive installations.
Wei Lun Ha: Showcasing works from a New Zealand-Vietnam perspective, Mr Ha’s art often reflects the historical memory and the immigrant experience, blending traditional and contemporary techniques.
Luise Fong: An artist of New Zealand Malaysia heritage, Ms Fong’s abstract works explore themes of displacement and belonging, using layered textures and forms to evoke a sense of journey.
Gavin Chai: Another significant contributor from New Zealand Malaysia, Mr Chai’s paintings are known for their intricate detail and contemplative themes, often reflecting on his personal experiences and broader cultural narratives.
Louie Bretaña: Bringing in influences from New Zealand Philippines, Mr Bretaña’s work is characterised by its dynamic use of colour and form, exploring identity and community.
Andrea Bolima: Adding to the rich tapestry with her New Zealand Philippines background, Ms Bolima’s art often centres on themes of home and belonging, using a variety of media to tell her story.
The exhibition promises to be a profound exploration of identity, culture, and the sense of belonging in New Zealand. It will highlight the exceptional talent within the Asian artistic community and foster a deeper understanding of their contributions to the nation’s cultural landscape.
About Bergman Gallery
Bergman Gallery is a dealer gallery representing and exhibiting artists from the broader Pacific region. Established in 2016 in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, and expanding to Auckland, New Zealand in 2022, it has built a reputation for its dynamic exhibitions and participation in prominent art fairs.
The gallery also offers an invitational artist-in-residence program, fostering creative development and cultural exchange.
Their site-specific exhibition, “Kaveinga – Angels of the Ocean,” received international acclaim for its superb exploration of Pacific identity and environmental themes.
Through its commitment to supporting artists and engaging with the global art community, Bergman Gallery continues to be a significant cultural institution in the Pacific and beyond.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
