Words Lynley Milward
Across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato, the art scene is carrying a fresh kind of energy – one that feels less formal, more expressive, and deeply connected to story, place and material. It’s not about following rules or fitting into traditional categories; instead, there’s a growing appreciation for work that feels curious, tactile and quietly alive.
Collectors are increasingly drawn to pieces that celebrate the hand of the maker – thoughtful works where process and material are part of the story. Artist Janet Fox captures this beautifully through her layered mixed media pieces. Combining handmade papers, reclaimed materials, cold wax, stitching, pins, and thread, her work feels both deliberate and instinctive. Each piece invites a closer look, revealing subtle details that speak to memory, time and the beauty of imperfection.
This movement towards depth and meaning naturally extends into cultural storytelling, which continues to shape contemporary practice across Aotearoa. Ceramic artist Jo Richards Hooker draws on tribal influence through sculptural forms – hammerhead sharks, whale tails and paddles – each piece carrying a sense of whakapapa and connection to the natural world.
In a similar way, Bernadette Ross’ woven works hold history within them, while also stepping confidently into the realm of three-dimensional form. Her use of harakeke (flax), with origins linked to botanical plantings and traditional knowledge across marae, creates sculptural pieces that feel both grounded and enduring, each weave threaded with time, tradition and care.
This interplay between narrative and form reflects a broader shift towards three-dimensional and statement works, pieces that move beyond the wall and into the room itself. From the clean, graphic glow of Ornately Art’s laser-cut neon pieces to the delicate luminosity of Luke Jacomb’s hand-cast glass birds, and the earthy, sculptural quality of Isaac Weston’s copper works, art is becoming increasingly immersive. These works introduce light, shadow and movement, subtly shifting how a space feels and how art is experienced within it.
Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be defined by materiality, storytelling and individuality. Pieces that hold a narrative, celebrate craftsmanship and feel deeply considered will continue to resonate, offering not just visual appeal, but a sense of connection.
At a local level, this shift is being reflected in galleries like Arte Haus in Mount Maunganui, where a curated mix of established and emerging artists brings these ideas together. It’s a space that champions thoughtful, design-led work, pieces chosen not just for how they look, but for the stories they carry and the way they live within a home.
