Transactions Over Canapés

The Auckland Art Fair was held from 4-7 August at the Viaduct Events Centre where “a transactional air of confidence and optimism permeated the space, which was filled with the usual opening-night mix of dealers, curators, collectors, artists, and ‘isn’t that the guy from . . .’ celebs,” Anthony Byrt describes for New York-based site Artforum. “The late greats Colin McCahon and Gordon Walters were still ruling as market heavyweights, with the very-much-present Billy Apple not far behind. Thirtysomething artists like Rohan Wealleans, Ricky Swallow, and Francis Upritchard were attracting plenty of attention too, and Yvonne Todd – whose work at Peter McLeavey was one of the fair’s highlights — is still superb.”