AI Auckland International Art Gallery

The 2026 Auckland, New Zealand “Lanting Gathering” and the 2026 Vision Chinese Character Launch Event were successfully held

allan — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 06:09:58 +0000

On the afternoon of March 14, 2026 , the “Lanting Gathering” and the 2026 Vision Chinese Character Launch Event were held in Auckland, New Zealand, at the Auckland International Art Space Museum.

The “Orchid Pavilion Gathering” refers to the gathering of the great Chinese calligrapher Wang Xizhi and his friends at the Orchid Pavilion in 353 AD. During this gathering, they drank wine, composed poems, and wrote the “Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion,” considered the finest example of running script in Chinese literature. This masterpiece not only showcases the beauty of calligraphy but also expresses the profound insights of Chinese literati into nature, life, and friendship. Today, the Auckland Chinese Cultural Centre uses the “Orchid Pavilion Gathering” as a cultural brand, taking Chinese calligraphy as its entry point. Through exchanges in calligraphy, music, and art, it aims to introduce more New Zealand friends to Chinese culture and allow them to experience the unique charm and interest inherent in Chinese characters and calligraphy.

The 2026 Vision Chinese Character Selection Event is a cultural brand hosted by the Auckland International Art Space Museum and the New Zealand Painting School Art Alliance, with the New Zealand Sichuan-Chongqing General Chamber of Commerce as a special invited partner, and co-organized by the New Zealand-China Friendship Association, the New Zealand Chinese Calligraphers Association, the New Zealand Overseas Chinese Association, the New Zealand-China Investment and Trade Promotion Association, the New Zealand Confucius Cultural and Art Research Institute, the New Zealand Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Academy, and many other organizations. Since its inception in 2023, the event has selected characters such as “康” (Kang, meaning health), “龙” (Long, meaning dragon), and “顺” (Shun, meaning smoothness) as the vision Chinese characters for New Zealand society this year. This event not only expresses the local people’s aspirations for a better life but also enriches the cultural life of the local Chinese community, promotes Chinese calligraphy and character culture, and is an annual cultural event in New Zealand.

The fourth annual “Vision Character” selection event for 2026, after joint evaluation and review by Chinese community groups, art institutions, and expert judges, chose the character “马” (horse) as this year’s vision character. This character expresses everyone’s aspirations and longings for a better life in the Year of the Horse (2016), wishing for immediate happiness, wealth, and joy. During the event, Wang Jianwen, Director of the Auckland Chinese Cultural Centre, Ms. Ding Mei, representative of the New Zealand-China Friendship Association, and Mr. Liu Qijia, representative of the Auckland International Art Space, delivered speeches as guests.

Speech by Wang Jianwen, Director of the Auckland Chinese Cultural Centre

Ms. Ding Mei, representative of the New Zealand China Friendship Association, delivered a speech.

Mr. Liu Qijia, representative of Auckland International Art Space, delivered a speech.

Following the inspiring speech, there were wonderful cultural performances, including a guitar performance by a Maori artist, an erhu performance by a Chinese erhu player, and a guzheng ensemble.

Maori artist performing guitar

Chinese artist Wu Jiyuan performs erhu pieces “New Horse Racing” and “Red Boat on Nanhu Lake”.

Students performed the traditional guzheng piece “Fisherman’s Song at Dusk”.

Shiyu Chen, a young Chinese calligraphy teacher, introduced the calligraphy story behind the famous Chinese cultural text “Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion.” Martin Renner, a foreign friend with a deep interest in and research on Chinese calligraphy, also shared his understanding and experience of Chinese characters.

Shiyu Chen from the University of Auckland introduces the famous Chinese cultural text, “Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion.”

Mr. Martin Renner shared the evolution of oracle bone script.

The highlight was the unveiling of the Chinese character for the 2026 vision. Senior calligraphers Fu Jinzhi and Lei Shuqing from the New Zealand Chinese Calligraphers Association jointly wrote the Chinese character “马” (horse) for this year’s vision, and together with several guest representatives, they unveiled the Chinese character “马”. The attendees welcomed the release of this year’s vision Chinese character with warm applause and good wishes.

Guest representatives jointly unveiled the Chinese character “马” (horse) representing their vision.

Calligraphy masters Fu Jinzhi, Lei Shuqing, and Li Yongfei interacted with the guests on site, writing Chinese calligraphy works for everyone. The event received strong support from friends from all walks of life in the Chinese community, and we would like to express our gratitude. We look forward to our wonderful life coming soon and being happy!

Teacher Lei Shuqing creates calligraphy and painting works on site

Teacher Li Yongfei created calligraphy works on site.

Teachers Fu Jinzhi and Lei Shuqing guided the guests in their creative work.

Before the event began, the organizers suggested a minute’s silence to commemorate Mr. Mike Dawson , the National President of the New Zealand-China Friendship Association and President of its Auckland Chapter, who recently passed away . Mr. Dawson, whose Chinese alias was Ding Daxiong, participated in the selection and release of the vision Chinese characters for each year’s event since 2023. He actively supported various cultural and artistic exchange activities between New Zealand and China, making significant contributions and leaving behind a rich cultural legacy. We commemorate this old friend who promoted friendly exchanges between New Zealand and China in New Zealand, and hope to carry on his unfinished wishes in the future, jointly developing new endeavors for friendly exchanges between New Zealand and China, continuing to deepen mutual understanding between the people of New Zealand and China, and strengthening in-depth exchanges in the fields of culture , art, and humanities!

Finally, Auckland International Art Space wishes everyone a prosperous Year of the Horse and that all your wishes come true!

The 2026 New Zealand Contemporary Art Exhibition – “Flying Kiwi” – will premiere at Beijing 798 Art Zone, building a bridge for cultural exchange between China and New Zealand.

allan — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 23:36:22 +0000

On January 9, 2026, the “Flying Kiwi” New Zealand Contemporary Art Exhibition opened at the 798 International Art Exchange Center in the 798 Art District, Chaoyang District, Beijing. The exhibition was hosted by the Publicity and Culture Center of Chaoyang District, Beijing, and jointly guided by the Management Committee of the Beijing Chaoyang National Cultural Industry Innovation Experimental Zone, the New Zealand-China Friendship Association, and the New Zealand Embassy in China; and co-organized by the New Zealand-China Investment and Trade Promotion Association, the Auckland International Art Space Museum, and the Beijing Chaoyang District Association for International Cultural Exchange. The exhibition aims to build a bridge for cultural exchange between China and New Zealand through art, presenting audiences with an artistic visual feast full of South Pacific charm.

Inspired by the kiwi, New Zealand’s national bird, the exhibition brings together 48 representative works by 18 contemporary New Zealand artists, encompassing various forms including painting, sculpture, and installation art. Highlights include SWEATS’ “Face to Face,” FLOX’s “Royal Crane in Motion,” and Maori artist Jimmy James Kouratoras’ “Tiki” series. Among these, a collaborative work by New Zealand artist Jamie Boynton and Chinese artist Liu Zhong, themed around the Chinese panda “Hehe” and the New Zealand bar-tailed wood pigeon “Meimei,” symbolizes the harmony and fusion of Chinese and New Zealand cultures. Additionally, the magical realism artwork by Brazilian immigrant artist Fernando evokes the styles of Picasso and Dalí. The entire exhibition is rich in the diversity and contemporary flair of New Zealand art, offering a uniquely exotic and highly artistic experience.

At the opening ceremony of the exhibition, Mr. Feng Zhiming, member of the Standing Committee of the Chaoyang District Committee of Beijing and Minister of Publicity, Mr. Li Chunlei, deputy director of the Chaoyang District Publicity and Culture Center of Beijing, Mr. Du Lei, second-level inspector of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Commerce, Ms. Si Aili, deputy head of the New Zealand Embassy, Mr. Zong Yuan, chairman of the New Zealand-China Investment and Trade Promotion Association, and Mr. Gan Xuejun, honorary president of the Beijing Auction Industry Association and chairman of Beijing Huachen Auction Co., Ltd., attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches.

Ms. Aili, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of New Zealand

Mr. Zong Yuan, Chairman of the New Zealand-China Investment and Trade Promotion Association

Mr. Gan Xuejun, Honorary President of Beijing Auction Industry Association and Chairman of Beijing Huachen Auction Co., Ltd.

Ms. Zhao Ling, CEO of Auckland International Art Space, presided over the opening ceremony and invited participating guests, including Mr. Yang Jian, Chairman of the China Region of the New Zealand China Investment and Trade Promotion Association; Mr. Wang Zhicheng, Chairman of Beijing Songyigong International Culture and Art Development Co., Ltd.; Ms. Fan Meili, Chairman of Xi’an Meilitianyuan Cultural Tourism Co., Ltd. and Huajian New Zealand Contemporary Art Space; Ms. Song Zheng, representative of China Arts and Entertainment Group; as well as leaders from various departments of Chaoyang District and representatives of New Zealand businesses, to draw prizes for the visitors attending the exhibition and present them with New Year’s gifts from New Zealand.

Ms. Zhao Ling, CEO of Auckland International Art Space

Mr. Du Lei, Second-Level Inspector of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Commerce

Mr. Li Chunlei, Member of the Party Committee and Deputy Director of the Publicity and Culture Center of Chaoyang District, Beijing

Mr. Shen Guoying and Mr. Feng Zhiming, Standing Committee Member and Publicity Minister of the Chaoyang District Committee of Beijing

Mr. Wang Zhicheng, Chairman of Beijing Songyigong International Culture and Art Development Co., Ltd., and Mr. Gan Xuejun, Honorary President of Beijing Auction Industry Association and Chairman of Beijing Huachen Auction Co., Ltd.

Ms. Fan Meili, Chairperson of Xi’an Meili Tianyuan Cultural Tourism Co., Ltd., Ms. Si Aili, Deputy Head of Mission of the New Zealand Embassy, and Ms. Zhao Ling, CEO of Auckland International Art Space

Ms. Si Aili, Deputy Head of Mission of the New Zealand Embassy; Ms. Zhao Ling, CEO of Auckland International Art Space; Ms. Zhao Xi, Policy Officer of the Embassy; and Ms. Song Zheng, representative of China Arts and Entertainment Group.

Mr. Ma Jun, Party Secretary and Director of the Publicity and Culture Center of Chaoyang District, Beijing; Ms. Yao Wei, founder of the Beijing Urban Art Fair ; and Mr. Zong Yuan, founder of the Auckland International Art Space and Chairman of the New Zealand-China Investment and Trade Promotion Association.

2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of sister city relations between Beijing and Wellington, the two capital cities.

This exhibition represents an important collaboration between New Zealand and China in the field of cultural and artistic exchange. It not only promotes the dissemination and mutual learning of artistic concepts but also injects new vitality into friendly exchanges between the people of China and New Zealand, marking a significant milestone!

The exhibition will be held from January 9th to 15th at the 798 International Art Exchange Center in Beijing’s 798 Art District.

▌Exhibition Information

Exhibition Information

Exhibition period

2026/01/08-01/15

Opening ceremony

2026/01/09/15:00

Exhibition Venue: 798 International Art Exchange Center, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Venue / 798 International Art Exchange Center, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Supervisory unit

Publicity and Culture Center of Chaoyang District, Beijing

Communication and Culture Center of Beijing Chaoyang District

Beijing Chaoyang National Cultural Industry Innovation Experimental Zone Management Committee

Beijing Chaoyang National Cultural Industry Innovation Experiment Zone Administrative Committee

Organizer

New Zealand China Investment and Trade Promotion Association

New Zealand-China Investment and Trade Promotion Association

Auckland International Art Space Museum

Ai International Art Gallery

Beijing Chaoyang District Association for International Cultural Exchange

Beijing Chaoyang International Cultural Exchange Association

Supporting unit

New Zealand China Friendship Association

New Zealand China-New Zealand Friendship Association

Cultural Section of the Embassy of New Zealand in Beijing

The Cultural Section of the Embassy of New Zealand in Beijing

Organizing unit

Beijing New Zealand Centre for Contemporary Art

Beijing New Zealand Contemporary Art Center

Beijing Songyigong International Culture and Art Development Co., Ltd.

Co-organizer

Xi’an Hanami – New Zealand Contemporary Art Centre

Xi ‘an Huajian – New Zealand Contemporary Art Center

Xi’an Beautiful Countryside Cultural Tourism Co., Ltd.

Xi ‘an Meili Tianyuan Cultural Tourism Co., LTD

Brand Partner

New Zealand Jiejing Organic Tea Estate

New Zealand Manukau Honey Company Limited

New Zealand Manucao Honey Co., LTD

FLOX Art Studio, New Zealand

FLOX Art Studio in New Zealand

Beijing Longteng Bafang Food Co., Ltd.

Talley’s Group Limited

Swan Estate Winery

Auswan Creek Wines

Murdoch Winery

William Murdoch Wines

Murdoch Winery

William Murdoch Wines

The opening ceremony of the 15th China Songzhuang Art Festival, featuring a joint exhibition of New Zealand and Chinese artists and the unveiling of the large-scale mural “Wings of Leaders,” was a complete success.

allan — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 01:56:05 +0000

On September 27, 2025, at 3:00 PM, the opening ceremony of the 15th Songzhuang Art Festival, featuring a joint exhibition of New Zealand and Chinese artists and the unveiling of the large-scale mural “Winged Leaders,” was grandly held at the New Zealand Contemporary Art Centre, No. 19, Area A, Songzhuang Art Factory Road, Beijing. Guests, artists, and visitors from New Zealand, Beijing, and other places flocked to the event, deeply impressed by the unique and innovative content of the exhibition and applauding the wonderful artworks by Chinese and New Zealand artists. A delegation from the New Zealand-China Friendship Association specially came to China to participate in the art exhibition. Among the attendees were Mr. Mike Dawson, Chairman of the New Zealand-China Friendship Association; Mr. Zong Yuan, Chairman of the New Zealand-China Investment and Trade Promotion Association and Chairman of Auckland International Art Space; Ms. Ding Mei, President of the New Zealand Overseas Chinese Association; and New Zealand artist Jamie Burton. Mr. Boynton, Mr. Tristan Wayne, and Ms. Sarah Lopati Wayne, all entrepreneurs from New Zealand, traveled from faraway New Zealand to Songzhuang, Beijing, to attend the opening ceremony of this art exhibition. Ms. Holly Mo, representative of the New Zealand Embassy in China, also traveled to Beijing to offer her congratulations and attend the opening ceremony.

Mr. Wang Zhicheng, Chairman of Beijing Songyigong International Culture and Art Development Co., Ltd.

The opening ceremony began with a speech by Mr. Wang Zhicheng, Chairman of Beijing Songyigong International Culture and Art Development Co., Ltd., the organizer. He emphasized that since the New Zealand Centre for Contemporary Art was established in the Songzhuang Art Factory Road Art District in 2019, it has held numerous significant Sino-New Zealand art exchange activities, strengthening exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and New Zealand artists, bringing international artistic thinking to Songzhuang Art Town, and opening the door for Chinese contemporary art to the international stage. This year, Songzhuang Songyigong International Culture and Art Development Co., Ltd. led Songzhuang artists to Xinjiang, Xi’an, and Qinhuangdao in the north, and Hong Kong in the south to participate in art exchanges, exhibitions, and collaborations. They brought the works of Songzhuang Art Factory District artists to all parts of the country, conveying the cultural image of Songzhuang Art Town, helping artists promote themselves and generate revenue, and achieving excellent social impact and fruitful market results.

Mr. Zong Yuan, Chairman of Auckland International Art Space Museum, New Zealand-China Investment and Trade Promotion Association, and Beijing New Zealand Contemporary Art Centre

In his address, Mr. Zong Yuan, Chairman of the Auckland International Art Space Museum, the New Zealand-China Investment and Trade Promotion Association, and the Beijing New Zealand Contemporary Art Centre, the organizers of the event, emphasized the importance and practical significance of art exchanges between New Zealand and China in the relationship between the two countries. He also expressed his vision and expectation to continuously promote art exchanges and cooperation between China and New Zealand, lead Chinese artists to the world stage, and help Songzhuang Art Town in China establish a regular international art cooperation mechanism.

Mr. Mike Dawson, Chairman of the New Zealand-China Friendship Association

Mr. Mike Dawson, Chairman of the New Zealand-China Friendship Association, also delivered a passionate speech. He highly praised the innovative cooperation model of promoting people-to-people friendship between China and New Zealand through art exchanges, and emphasized the significant role played by the New Zealand-China Friendship Association in people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. He also fully affirmed the positive, significant, and far-reaching significance of the large-scale mural “Winged Leader” created by New Zealand artist Jamie Burton in spreading New Zealand culture and art in China and promoting the implementation of specific projects for New Zealand-China friendship exchanges in China.

Mr. Xu Dawei, Secretary-General of the Panda Art Development Fund of the China Literature and Art Foundation

Jamie Boynton, a New Zealand artist

New Zealand entrepreneur Mr. Tristan Vinnie

Representatives of Chinese entrepreneurs: Mr. Jiang Biao and Mr. Wang Yijia

Mr. Xu Dawei, Secretary-General of the Panda Art Development Fund of the China Literature and Art Foundation, Mr. Jimmy Burton, a New Zealand artist, Mr. Tristan Vinnie, a New Zealand entrepreneur, and Mr. Jiang Biao, representative of the sponsoring organization Guizhou Forbidden City Winery Co., Ltd., delivered speeches.

This exhibition is one of the important exhibitions in the “Creativity-Resonance” series of the 15th Songzhuang Cultural and Art Festival in China. A total of eight artists from New Zealand and China participated, exhibiting 32 artworks, encompassing various art forms including contemporary oil painting, printmaking, sculpture, murals, and AI new media works. New Zealand artist Jimmy Burton created a large-scale mural, “A Call from Afar,” in the Songzhuang Art Factory Road Art District in Beijing in 2024. This mural received a positive response in both China and New Zealand, promoting practical exchanges and cooperation between the New Zealand and Chinese art communities. The New Zealand Embassy in China produced a special feature on this work for special coverage and promotion.

A Call from Afar – Jamie Boynton 2024

In 2025, Mr. Jimmy Burton returned to Songzhuang to create another large-scale mural, “The Winged Leader,” measuring 17m x 3m. These two works form a pair of sister pieces themed around New Zealand Maori cultural stories and friendly exchanges between New Zealand and China. It will add a significant chapter to the exchange between New Zealand and Chinese artists and to the artistic journey of New Zealand artists in China. The guests attending the exhibition witnessed the unveiling ceremony of this large-scale mural.

Winged Leader Jamie Boynton 2025

In addition, nearly one hundred people attended the opening ceremony of the art exhibition, including key leaders from Songzhuang Town, Beijing; Mr. Zheng Xiuquan, Deputy General Manager of China Arts and Entertainment Group; Ms. Mao Heli, an official from the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing; Mr. Jiang Baoliang, Ms. Tang Jingbo, and Mr. Zhai Xiang, guests from Qinhuangdao; entrepreneurs Mr. Song Baohua, Mr. Ying Hongqi, Mr. Lei Qinggang, Mr. Wang Yijia, Ms. Gong Nan, and Ms. Shen Na; artists Mr. Jiang Huan, Mr. Zhang Yibing, and Mr. Wu Dewu; and representatives of university students. During the exhibition, the oil painting “Harmony and Coexistence,” jointly created by New Zealand artist Jimmy Burton and Mr. Liu Zhong, considered the foremost painter of pandas in China, was also on display.

“Harmony and Coexistence” – Panda “Hehe” and Banwei Forest Pigeon “Meimei” Liu Zhong & Jamie Boynton 2025

EXHIBITION OPENING EVENTS

Mr. Zheng Xiuquan, Deputy General Manager of China Arts and Entertainment Group, and Mr. Zong Yuan of Auckland International Art Space

EXHIBITION INFORMATION

Exhibition Dates: September 28 – October 18, 2025

Exhibition Venue: New Zealand Centre for Contemporary Art, No. 19, Block A, Songzhuang Art Factory Road

Exhibition hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; advance reservations are required for Saturdays and Sundays.

Contact number: 17303720907

All art lovers are welcome to join us in this grand event and visit the exhibition. (Admission is free)

Jingchu Charm Meets the South Pacific | “Hubei Friends in Painting” New Zealand-China Artist Exchange Exhibition Concludes Successfully

allan — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 10:28:18 +0000

On July 28th, the “Friends of Hubei Enter the Painting” art exchange exhibition, co-organized by the Auckland Chinese Cultural Center, the Hubei Academy of Fine Arts, and the Auckland International Art Space, officially opened at the Auckland International Art Space.

Using art as a bond, the exhibition brought together over 30 works of calligraphy, landscapes, flower-and-bird paintings, and oil paintings from the Hubei Academy of Fine Arts, presented alongside works by New Zealand artists. This exchange and dialogue between Chinese and Western art in the same space presented a diverse visual experience and a unique cultural encounter, bringing a high-level international art event to Auckland.

At the opening ceremony, Mr. Zhou Li, Cultural Consul of the Chinese Consulate General in Auckland, Mr. Wang Jianwen, Director of the Auckland Chinese Cultural Center, Mr. Mike Dawson, National Chairman of the New Zealand China Friendship Association, and Mr. Zong Yuan, Chairman and Manager of the Auckland International Art Space, delivered speeches in succession, highly praising the positive significance of this exhibition in promoting cultural exchanges between China and New Zealand.

Mr. Zong Yuan, Chairman and Manager of Auckland International Art Space, introduced the works of New Zealand artist FLOX to Mr. Li Heqing of Hubei Academy of Fine Arts

Opening guest speech

Mr. Zhou Li, Cultural Consul of the Chinese Consulate General in Auckland, delivered a speech

Mr. Wang Jianwen, Director of the Auckland Chinese Cultural Center, delivered a speech

Mr. Zong Yuan, Chairman and Manager of Auckland International Art Space, delivered a speech

Mr. Mike Dawson, National Chairman of the New Zealand-China Friendship Association, delivered a speech

The event was attended by over 70 people including Consul Lou Boqian of the Chinese Consulate General in Auckland, renowned New Zealand artist Jamie Boynton, guests including SWEATS & FLOX, as well as Auckland cultural figures, media representatives and art lovers.

Opening Ceremony Highlights

At the beginning of the opening ceremony, New Zealand sculptor Natanahira Poona blessed the exhibition in the traditional Maori way, implying that this cultural exchange would be smooth and successful, and expressing his best wishes for the long-lasting friendship between China and New Zealand.

New Zealand sculptor Natanahira Bonner prayed for the exhibition

Academic lectures were held during the exhibition, covering the topics of calligraphy and landscape painting.

Mr. Li Heqing from Hubei Academy of Fine Arts talks about “Writing a Millennium Civilization: The History and Spiritual World of Chinese Calligraphy”

Mr. Li Heqing, a first-class artist at the Hubei Academy of Fine Arts, took the title of “Writing a Millennium of Civilization – The History and Spiritual World of Chinese Calligraphy” and systematically introduced the historical context and cultural connotation of Chinese calligraphy, focusing on the evolution of calligraphy styles, aesthetic principles, calligraphy methods and calligraphy appreciation, allowing the audience to deeply feel the profound heritage and spiritual value of calligraphy art.

Mr. Liu Xiulin from Hubei Academy of Fine Arts talks about “The Inheritance and Development of Chinese Landscape Painting”

Mr. Liu Xiulin, director of the Chinese Painting Creation Studio of Hubei Academy of Fine Arts and a second-level artist, took the theme of “Inheritance and Development of Chinese Landscape Painting” and introduced its development and innovation in composition, brushwork and artistic conception by displaying representative works of landscape painting from different periods.

New Zealand artists SWEATS & FLOX share their experiences and works in China

Then New Zealand artists SWEATS & FLOX introduced their experience of participating in the China-Singapore art exchange at the Shenzhen Cultural Expo and their personal creative characteristics.

New Zealand artist Jamie Boynton introduces his creations in Beijing

Mr. Jamie Boynton recounted the creation process of his 17-meter-long mural, “The Call from Afar,” in Beijing, sharing the cultural connections and emotional bonds between China and Singapore embodied in the work.

During the interactive exchange session, the audience enjoyed close-up views of the works by artists from both countries and discussed their creative philosophies face-to-face. The “Ink Treasures Interaction” presented by Mr. Li Heqing and local Chinese calligrapher Mr. Fu Jinzhi attracted a large audience, allowing them to experience the unique charm of Chinese calligraphy amidst the rich aroma of ink.

This exhibition not only presented outstanding works of art with both artistic and cultural significance, but also established a deeper platform for communication between Chinese and Singaporean artists, promoting continued cooperation and development in artistic creation and cultural exchange between the two countries.

Opening Ceremony Highlights

New Zealand artists SWEATS&FLOX explain their works to Mr. Li Heqing of Hubei Academy of Fine Arts

Mr. Li Heqing of Hubei Academy of Fine Arts presented a Chinese calligraphy work to Mr. Mike Dawson, National Chairman of the New Zealand-China Friendship Association

Mr. Mike Dawson, National Chairman of the New Zealand-China Friendship Association, presented works of art to New Zealand artists on behalf of the New Zealand organizers.

Mr. Zong Yuan, Chairman and Manager of Auckland International Art Space, and Mr. Li Heqing of Hubei Academy of Fine Arts

Selected artworks from the exhibition

Works by New Zealand artist FLOX

Works by New Zealand artists SWEATS&FLOX

Chinese calligraphy works exhibited by Hubei Academy of Fine Arts

Chinese painting exhibition works from Hubei Academy of Fine Arts

Imperial Mystic Crane: Poised

Imperial Crane: Ready to Go

FLOX

2024

Parakeet & Chrysanthemum

Parakeet and Chrysanthemum

FLOX

2024

Face to Face (Indigo)

Face to Face (Purple)

SWEATS

2024

Face to Face (Lipstick)

Face to Face (Red Lips)

SWEATS

2024

Art connects the world, friendship spans mountains and seas | Famous New Zealand artists Heimler & Proc in Chengdu

allan — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 08:55:40 +0000

Gabriel Heimler and Anna Proc are well known in Wellington for their mural The Mover, which is on the wall of the Quality Hotel (renamed Museum Hotel in 2016) near Te Papa. Wellingtonians voted The Mover the second best public outdoor art work of 2011.

Heimler was born in Paris, where he studied art before moving to Berlin. His 1989 Berlin mural The Wall Jumper launched his 30-year artistic career and is now one of Berlin’s most visited historic sites, part of the East Side Gallery (receiving over 3 million visitors a year). He is known for his thought-provoking paintings of social and historical subjects.

Images of the Berlin and Wellington murals have been featured in the Lonely Planet travel guides Discover New Zealand and Berlin in Your Pocket.

Heimler’s art has been sold at Sotheby’s in New York and galleries in Berlin, Paris, Frankfurt and Brussels. In Berlin, he designed a room for the Art Hotel Luise.

Anna Proc has a background in cultural history and linguistics. She initially worked with Heimler to conceive the Art Express project, which toured Berlin, Budapest and Essen.

In 2010, Heimler and Proc moved to Wellington and were awarded a residency based on their talents. Their artistic practice combines the principles of femininity and masculinity and studies the principles of cultural integration in New Zealand. In addition, they push boundaries and incorporate elements of magic realism. They emphasize individuality while showing rich emotions.

In 2019, two of their works (New Age, Sculpted Waves) were exhibited at the Beijing International Art Biennale.

In 2023, they published a book, Metamorphosis in Birdland, which records their 13 years of artistic journey in New Zealand.

On July 10, 2025, Ms. Zhao Ling, CEO of Auckland International Art Space, made a special trip to visit Chengdu Tianyi Nongyuan Art Expo Park. The main purpose of this trip was to visit the New Zealand artists Heimler & Proc who were doing resident creation here, to gain an in-depth understanding of their painting achievements during their stay in the park, and to promote their in-depth exchanges with Chinese artists. Ms. Yang Li, member of the Standing Committee of the Sichuan Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, Vice Chairman of the Chengdu Federation of Literary and Art Circles, Chairman of the Chengdu Folk Artists Association, and Chairman of Nongyuan Group, warmly received Zhao Ling and her delegation.

Ms. Zhao Ling, CEO of Auckland International Art Space, Ms. Yang Li, Chairman of Nongyuan, New Zealand artist couple Heimler & Proc family and Chinese artist Cao Yang

Ms. Zhao Ling carefully appreciated the new works created by Heimler & Proc during their three-week residency in Chengdu, and expressed high appreciation for their artistic expression that they absorbed inspiration from Chengdu culture in a short period of time.

Heimler & Proc and their “Tribute to Sanyu” series created during their residency

Ms. Zhao Ling viewed the large mural created by Heimler & Proc in Chengdu

In order to enhance the New Zealand artists’ in-depth experience of Chengdu culture, Ms. Zhao Ling carefully arranged and led Heimler & Proc to experience the authentic Chengdu folk culture, including watching Sichuan opera face-changing performances, traditional folk music performances, Gaiwan tea performances, etc. These unique cultural experiences allowed the artists to personally feel the profound historical heritage and fresh life atmosphere of Chengdu.

Ms. Zhao Ling and Heimler & Proc at the Global Center

Ms. Zhao Ling and the Heimler & Proc family watched the performance

With the active promotion of Ms. Zhao Ling, Heimler & Proc and Cao Yang, a well-known artist from Nongyuan, had a fruitful and in-depth dialogue. The two sides had a frank exchange on multiple dimensions such as painting creation, cultural understanding, and historical context, sparking wonderful sparks of artistic thought.

Heimler & Proc artists exchange ideas in the studio of Chinese artist Cao Yang

After the visit and exchange activities, Heimler & Proc couples expressed their deep feelings that although the three-week artistic creation and life experience in Chengdu Nongyuan was short, they gained deep friendships and their love for Chengdu culture will last forever. In summarizing the trip, Ms. Zhao Ling pointed out that the artist’s “Tribute to Chang Yu” series of works and the large murals they are planning to create for Chengdu are of extraordinary significance. These works are not only the crystallization of artistic exploration, but also will be permanently left to the people of Chengdu as “the spirit and footprint of European culture and art.”

Tribute to Chang Yu Series-Chang Yu’s Dream
2025

Tribute to Chang Yu Series-First Meeting
2025

Tribute to Chang Yu Series-Chang Yu’s Consolation
2025

Tribute to Chang Yu Series-Chang Yu’s achievements
2025

Tribute to Chang Yu Series-Chang Yu’s Pride
2025

The Wall Jumper
1989

The Mover
2010

The 3rd Hong Kong International Cultural and Creative Expo ART HONG KONG EXPO｜Successfully concluded

allan — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 15:35:35 +0000

The 3rd Hong Kong International Cultural and Creative Expo, “Arts Gather in Hong Kong, Chinese and Foreign Art Bloom Together”, was grandly opened at the Hong Kong Expo from May 30 to June 2, 2025. More than 1,000 art institutions and art groups from more than 30 countries in China, Hong Kong and around the world gathered together to gather global art resources, jointly promote cultural and artistic exchanges between China and foreign countries, and establish a cultural and artistic exchange platform between China and foreign countries. “Culture is like the wind, without a shadow, but it is everywhere.”

Mr. Kenneth Fok, Chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, delivers a speech

Ms. Shi Wenli, Deputy Director of Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports, delivered a speech

Mr. Zoltán Páldi, Trade Commissioner of the Hungarian Consulate General in Hong Kong, delivered a speech

Mr Anatoly KARGAPOLOV, Consul of Russia in Hong Kong, delivered a speech

Mr. Desmond Makosa, Tourism Consul of the Zimbabwe Consulate General in Hong Kong, delivered a speech

New Zealand’s Auckland International Art Space, Beijing Song Yigong Culture and Art Development Company, Xi’an Hanami New Zealand Contemporary Art Space jointly cooperated to bring together famous New Zealand artists FLOX, SWEATS, Evan Woodruffe, Jimmy James Kouratoras, Alvin Pankhurst, LuLu Fang, Chinese artists Jiang Huan, Wang Hao, Wu Dewu, Zhang Jing and other 10 Chinese and foreign artists to collectively appear at the Hong Kong Cultural Expo. The different artistic styles and unique artistic presentations of Chinese and foreign artists were well received and appreciated by the majority of viewers.

Mr. Liang Tianfu, Chairman of the Hong Kong Cultural Expo, Mr. Zhao Zhijun, the curatorial director of the Cultural Expo, and others visited the booth of the Auckland International Art Space in New Zealand

Ms. Shi Wenli, Deputy Director of Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports, Mr. Zong Yuan, the curator and manager of Auckland International Art Space, and Ms. Fan Meili, the founder of Xi’an Hanami New Zealand Contemporary Art Space

Ms. Shi Wenli, Deputy Director of Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports, visited and guided

Mr. Guo Liqun, General Manager of China International Cultural Exchange Group, and Ms. Song Zheng visited the art booth for guidance

Mr. Yin Peng and Mr. Lv Dong from China Exhibition Company visited the Hong Kong Cultural Expo

Mr. Zong Yuan, curator and manager of Auckland International Art Space, New Zealand

Ms. Zhao Ling, CEO of Auckland International Art Space, New Zealand

Mr. Zong Yuan and artist Ms. Fang Lulu

Ms. Fang Lilu, a Chinese artist from New Zealand, exhibited a set of 8 oil paintings that combined Chinese and foreign cultural relics and utensils with flowers. They were brought to Hong Kong, an international metropolis where Eastern and Western art and culture merge, allowing audiences from all over the world to feel the theme of “transience and eternity” presented in art, which generated great response and resonance.

Mr. Guo Haoman, founder of Yunfeng Gallery, and Ms. Fang Lulu, artist

Map collector Mr. Tan Zhaozhang and others came to visit

During the Hong Kong Cultural Expo, Auckland International Art Space conducted extensive art exchanges and negotiations with art institutions and artists from all over the world, and reached a number of artistic cooperation intentions.

Artist Yan Xueliang appreciates the artwork

Hong Kong collector Christie and others visited the art exhibition

Senior collectors from Hong Kong visited and collected the exhibited artworks

The vision of “Art in Hong Kong” to promote cultural and artistic exchanges between the East and the West, jointly build a large platform for Chinese culture and art to go overseas, and establish a center for cultural and artistic exchanges between China and foreign countries has become the collective consensus and artistic declaration of this Hong Kong Cultural Expo.

The 3rd Hong Kong International Cultural and Creative Expo ART HONG KONG EXPO｜“Art in Hong Kong” presents wonderful works of art

allan — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 15:27:35 +0000

At the upcoming 3rd Hong Kong Cultural Expo, Auckland International Art Space will present the wonderful works of artists from “Art Hong Kong”, presenting a visual feast that transcends culture and region.

Exhibition time:
May 30 to June 2, 2025
Exhibition location:
AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong
Booth: 6E01
Exhibition method:
Scan the official QR code of the Hong Kong Cultural Expo for free admission.
Contact:
Zong Yuan: 13601365544
Zhao Ling: 0220873355

Participating Artists

The 3rd Hong Kong International Cultural and Creative Expo ART HONG KONG EXPO｜New Zealand’s wonderful works are presented

allan — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 15:10:00 +0000

Hong Kong Cultural Expo Preview Consultation

The Hong Kong Cultural Expo will be held on May 30. The Auckland International Art Space in New Zealand has carefully selected a number of representative artworks for the exhibition, covering a variety of media forms, which will fully demonstrate the diversity and creativity of New Zealand artists in visual language and conceptual expression.

Exhibition time:
May 30 to June 2, 2025
Exhibition location:
AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong
Booth: 6E01
Exhibition method:
Scan the official QR code of the Hong Kong Cultural Expo for free admission.
Contact:
Zong Yuan: 13601365544
Zhao Ling: 0220873355

Exhibited Works

Experience art in FLOX’s signature style, with each piece showcasing her unique stencil spray paint technique. Since the early 2000s, FLOX has used spray paint as her medium of choice for its versatility and ability to bring complex, large-scale, multi-layered artworks to life. Her innovative technique has resulted in a unique and instantly recognizable style that incorporates vibrant colors and textured overlays to create stunning visuals.

FLOX’s creative themes are usually natural environments, endangered or rare plants and animals from all over the world, hoping to trigger people’s thinking about natural environmental issues. This time, she exhibited her iconic series of birds, ferns and flowers from New Zealand. Through the depiction and portrayal of these natural creatures, she takes viewers into the mysterious and magnificent natural world of foreign countries, and arouses people’s deep emotions and concerns for nature.

List of Works

SWEATS uses a variety of media such as enamel spray paint, acrylic paint, oil pastels and hand-cut templates, and uses different painting tools to create art on specially made plywood in New Zealand. These original works are characterized by highly saturated colors, and are covered with glossy varnish to form a unique painted surface, ultimately presenting an artistic effect that combines visual impact with craftsmanship.

The Face to Face series transcends cultural differences and language barriers. SWEATS uses artistic language to tell the common experiences of human beings at every stage of life, resonating with the audience on a personal level.

List of Works

Evan Woodruffe’s recent paintings are composed of multi-layered color spraying, lines, collages and paintings, presenting a “porous” picture that not only immerses people in the canvas, but also guides the viewer to look back into their own hearts.

Evan believes that color is a channel connecting the inner and outer worlds. He applies color in different ways, making the painting fluctuate between abstraction and imagery. It is not only an independent work of art, but also vaguely refers to other places. When the audience begins to associate a familiar image, the materiality of the painting itself takes the lead again.

This series of works is named after the date of completion, which Evan said is their “birthday”. He emphasized that these works “were born from the flow of colors, gradually escaped from my control, and became existences with their own lives”. The works contain the joy of travel, music, food and social interaction, stimulating the viewer’s senses and thinking.

List of Works

Alvin Pankhurst is a New Zealand artist who excels in realism and surrealism. In the 1970s and 1980s, he focused on still life painting, and was particularly known for his works showing plant roots and symbolizing the passage of time. The last few works in this series were exhibited in the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition in London in 2001.

In 2006, when he was creating “Shifting Sands”, the image of the fireplace in the sand dunes reminded him of the Maori canoe (waka), which inspired his first Maori theme painting “About Time”. Since then, he has continued to create Maori-themed works, which carry the inner meditative spirit he pursues and bring the pure joy of creation.

Our favorite “whale trainer” PAIKEA is back and is gathering all the families stranded on the beach. We know that when the tide comes in, they will be free. The beach is Wharariki Beach, Golden Bay, Nelson.

This is a portrait of a mother kiwi and her chicks. The original painting was a particularly large piece, measuring 70cm, and it seemed as if you could walk into the nest, which was very popular with children. We have brought a print of it to this exhibition. The kiwi is very special to the Maori. It is called the Tane – the secret bird of the forest spirit. It is a Maori taonga (treasure) and carries a lot of cultural, spiritual and historical significance.

List of Works

Jimmy James Kouratoras fuses cultural memory with modern expression. His work is collected and exhibited worldwide, and awakens something ancient in all of us.

Combining the energy of whakapapa, Greek mythology and street culture, Jimmy’s work brings sacred imagery into the contemporary context. Each stroke speaks to bloodline, cosmology and spirituality, while being deeply rooted in contemporary culture.

The Chinese characters for New Zealand’s 2025 Vision were unveiled and the Spring Festival calligraphy and painting exhibition opened grandly: The Year of the Snake kicks off a new journey and creates a brilliant chapter together!

allan — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 07:59:39 +0000

On February 12, 2025, coinciding with the Lantern Festival, the Auckland International Art Space in New Zealand ushered in a cultural event – the results of the third New Zealand Vision Chinese Character Selection were officially announced. This year’s vision Chinese character “Shun” stood out, implying smooth health, harmony and beauty. It not only carries the good wishes of overseas Chinese for the future, but also symbolizes the smooth development of cultural exchanges between China and New Zealand.

The character "Shun" was selected: carrying a beautiful vision and illuminating the road to progress

As the Chinese character for the vision of the Year of the Snake in 2025, the selection of the character “Shun” has far-reaching significance. In Chinese culture, the snake symbolizes agility and wisdom, while the character “Shun” implies that everything goes well and people’s hearts are harmonious, which fits the current global development trend and the common expectations of the Chinese for the future. The selection activity received positive responses from all walks of life, and finally the character “Shun” stood out with its profound cultural connotations and beautiful meanings, becoming the annual cultural symbol of the Chinese community in New Zealand.

The announcement was witnessed and congratulated by many guests, including Mr. Mike Dawson, Chairman of the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand China Friendship Association, Mr. Wang Jianwen, Director of the Auckland Chinese Cultural Center, Mr. Jin Yahao, President of the New Zealand Chinese Calligraphers Association, Mr. Fu Jinzhi, Vice President, and Mr. William Yuan, Executive President of the New Zealand China Investment and Trade Promotion Association.

Calligraphy and Painting Art Exhibition: An Art Feast of the Integration of Chinese and New Zealand Cultures

At the same time as the Chinese characters for the vision were unveiled, a week-long (February 12-February 18) China-New Zealand Calligraphy and Painting Art Exhibition was also opened. The exhibition brings together nearly 100 masterpieces from Chinese and New Zealand calligraphers and painters, showing the unique charm of the integration of the two countries’ cultures.

The calligraphy works are vigorous and powerful, with the brush running like a dragon and snake, showing the charm of oriental calligraphy art; the painting works cover a variety of styles such as landscapes, flowers and birds, and figures, either freehand or meticulous, showing the charm of different art schools. Artists from China and New Zealand use pen and ink as a medium to break the boundaries of time and space and use art to build a bridge for cultural exchange.

Cultural Bridges: Deepening Sino-Singaporean Friendship, Building Cultural Prosperity Together

This event is not only a cultural and artistic feast, but also an important opportunity for folk cultural exchanges between China and New Zealand. For the Chinese community in New Zealand, the Vision Chinese Character Selection not only carries the longing for the motherland, but also expresses the desire for a better life in the future. Through the calligraphy and painting exhibition, people from both countries were able to feel the unique charm of each other’s cultures more intuitively, enhancing understanding and friendship.

All walks of life join forces in a cultural extravaganza

The event was supported and participated by many parties. The organisers included Auckland International Art Space Gallery, New Zealand New China Investment and Trade Promotion Association, New Zealand Chinese Calligraphers Association, New Zealand Confucius Institute of Culture and Art, New Zealand Overseas Chinese Women’s Association, and New Zealand Chuanyu General Chamber of Commerce. The Chinese Cultural Centre Auckland, New Zealand New China Friendship Association Auckland Branch and other organisations acted as supporters to promote the success of this cultural event.

The Vision Chinese Character Awards and the Calligraphy and Painting Art Exhibition not only promoted Chinese culture, but also deepened cultural exchanges and friendship between China and Singapore. Looking ahead, this cultural event will continue to promote cultural interaction between China and Singapore, bringing more art and cultural feasts to the people of both countries.

Pacific Visitors·Artists丨SWEATS: Exploring the Multifaceted Human Experience

allan — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 11:21:36 +0000

SWEATS

Pacific Visitors · Artist | SWEATS, whose real name is Pierre Hadlow, was born in ōtāhuhu (Maori) in New Zealand in 1979. He holds a bachelor’s degree in art and design and currently lives in Auckland, New Zealand.

Pierre Hadlow established his own art and creative studio under the name SWEATS. Production: artwork, prints, illustrations, design, lettering, clothing, art toys and murals. SWEATS’s creations are characterized by expressionism and texture representation of characters and objects. His works explore the multifaceted human experience, stimulating an explosion of senses while retaining a playful innocence.

SWEATS has worked in the international creative arts field for more than 20 years, has won design industry awards in New Zealand and Australia, and recently won the gold medal at the New Zealand Pride & Print Show. : Exploring the multifaceted human experience

Recent exhibition experience

2024 ART IN THE PARK丨Auckland, New Zealand

2023 New Zealand Art Trail丨Auckland, New Zealand

2022 Light Festival丨Taranaki, New Zealand

Some of the exhibited works

SWEATS

Face to face (red lips)

50×42cm

Installation

Spray paint, acrylic paint, oil stick, gloss, varnish, plywood

2023

SWEATS

Face to face (purple)

150×150cm

Mixed media

Spray paint, acrylic paint, oil stick, gloss varnish, solid New Zealand-made plywood

2024

SWEATS

Face to face (Azure)

73×74cm

Collection Print mounting 310gsm cotton

Total 25 editions

2023

FLOX & SWEATS

Symbiosis (1)

200×140cm

Mixed media

Hand-painted template spray paint, acrylic, varnish

2024

FLOX & SWEATS

共生（2）

200×140cm

综合材料

手绘模板喷漆、丙烯酸、清漆

2024

丨Exhibition Information

Visitors from the Pacific

New Zealand Artists SWEATS & FLOX Double Exhibition

Exhibition Period July 19-August 4, 2024

Opening Hours Monday to Friday 9:30-17:30, Saturday and Sunday 10:00-18:00

Location No. 123 Donghu Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Non-Space

Curator Yi Zixiang

Organizer Non-Space / Auckland International Art Space

Supporting organization Art Expo Online

Exhibition enquiry 020-37650271

丨Transportation tips

Turn right from Exit B1 of Donghu Station on Guangzhou Metro Line 6 and walk 100 meters to the destination

Reply map on the official account to get a more detailed map and transportation instructions

AI Auckland International Art Gallery

The 2026 Auckland, New Zealand “Lanting Gathering” and the 2026 Vision Chinese Character Launch Event were successfully held

The 2026 New Zealand Contemporary Art Exhibition – “Flying Kiwi” – ​​will premiere at Beijing 798 Art Zone, building a bridge for cultural exchange between China and New Zealand.

The opening ceremony of the 15th China Songzhuang Art Festival, featuring a joint exhibition of New Zealand and Chinese artists and the unveiling of the large-scale mural “Wings of Leaders,” was a complete success.

Jingchu Charm Meets the South Pacific | “Hubei Friends in Painting” New Zealand-China Artist Exchange Exhibition Concludes Successfully

Opening guest speech

Opening Ceremony Highlights

Opening Ceremony Highlights

Selected artworks from the exhibition

Art connects the world, friendship spans mountains and seas | Famous New Zealand artists Heimler & Proc in Chengdu

The 3rd Hong Kong International Cultural and Creative Expo ART HONG KONG EXPO｜Successfully concluded

The 3rd Hong Kong International Cultural and Creative Expo ART HONG KONG EXPO｜“Art in Hong Kong” presents wonderful works of art

Participating Artists

The 3rd Hong Kong International Cultural and Creative Expo ART HONG KONG EXPO｜New Zealand’s wonderful works are presented

Hong Kong Cultural Expo Preview Consultation

Exhibited Works

List of Works

List of Works

List of Works

List of Works

The Chinese characters for New Zealand’s 2025 Vision were unveiled and the Spring Festival calligraphy and painting exhibition opened grandly: The Year of the Snake kicks off a new journey and creates a brilliant chapter together!

The character "Shun" was selected: carrying a beautiful vision and illuminating the road to progress

Calligraphy and Painting Art Exhibition: An Art Feast of the Integration of Chinese and New Zealand Cultures

Cultural Bridges: Deepening Sino-Singaporean Friendship, Building Cultural Prosperity Together

All walks of life join forces in a cultural extravaganza

Pacific Visitors·Artists丨SWEATS: Exploring the Multifaceted Human Experience

SWEATS

Some of the exhibited works

丨Exhibition Information

The 2026 New Zealand Contemporary Art Exhibition – “Flying Kiwi” – will premiere at Beijing 798 Art Zone, building a bridge for cultural exchange between China and New Zealand.