Perpetual Guardian Sculpture on the Gulf 2024

Waiheke Island, with its rugged coastline, sun-drenched vineyards, and artistic soul, becomes an open-air gallery like no other during the Perpetual Guardian Sculpture on the Gulf. As we celebrate the exhibition’s 20th anniversary, let’s delve into the magic that awaits from 24 February to 1st April 2024.

Since its inception in 2003, Sculpture on the Gulf has been a beacon of creativity, inviting artists to engage with the island’s natural beauty. This year, the conversation continues as sculptures emerge from the landscape, nestled among native flora, overlooking the Waiheke Island waters, and framed by the ever-changing sky.

Here’s a glimpse of the remarkable pieces that featured previously :

• Anton Forde: Te Kotahitanga o Whakamaru / The Unity of Protection (2022)

  • Forde’s sculpture stands as a guardian, bridging the earthly and spiritual realms.

• Sriwhana Spong: The Plum Tree (2017)

  • A delicate balance of fragility and resilience, echoing the island’s own spirit.

• Gregor Kregar: Pavilion Structure (2013)

  • An architectural marvel that invites contemplation within its geometric embrace.

• Leon van de Eijkel: Round and Round (2019)

  • A kinetic wonder, capturing the ebb and flow of tides and time.

• David McCracken: Diminish and Descend (2005)

  • A stairway to introspection, leading us deeper into our own narratives.

• Tania Patterson: Flowers of the Sky (2015)

  • Blooms that defy gravity, celebrating the island’s flora and fauna.

Accessible Art:

Sculpture on the Gulf is more than an exhibition; it’s an experience. Easily accessible for day trips from Auckland, hop on a ferry and let the art guide your journey.

• Entry is $20 (children 15 and under are free).

• Catch the shuttle bus from the Waiheke Island Tourism Information Centre at the Matiatia wharf. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children and the shuttle departs approx. every 15 minutes from 8 am–5 pm daily. Return ferry tickets, Sculpture Bus, and entry tickets can be purchased as a bundle from the Fullers360 website here.

Coastal Trail:

Wander along the coastal trail, where each sculpture reveals itself against the backdrop of cliffs, beaches, and rolling hills.

• The walk is around 2.5km, with limited wheelchair and pram access, and is not suitable for bikes. The unsealed track is quite undulating and has several steps up and down.

Dates: 24 February to 24 March 2024

Location: Waiheke Island’s magnificent coastal landscape

Admission: Free (donations appreciated)

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking inspiration, Sculpture on the Gulf invites you to see the world anew. Let the sculptures whisper their stories as the gulf sings its ancient song.

For more details and artist profiles, visit the official Sculpture on the Gulf website.

See you amidst the art and sea breeze!