With the opening of the new Essenze space further down the hill than the original, smaller shopfront, New Zealand design takes a credible step forward. My personal favourite is the new team from MOAD (Ministry of Art and Design)…
With the opening of the new Essenze space further down the hill than the original, smaller shopfront, New Zealand design takes a credible step forward.
The space is in what was once the iconic Metropole bar and restaurant – though you would be hard pressed to recognise any of the original interior with an 18-month revamp.
The ceilings have been raised, and the warehouse space behind has been included to make one enormous, light-filled exhibition space.
The back half (that was originally unconnected warehouse space) is on a lower level but still with enormous ceilings and showcases the extensive David Trubridge light fittings and sculptures.
Shane Hansen is visible with a screenprinted table top in his signature design style matched with a stool from designer Lucy Tupu who ‘weaves’ large pieces of fabric to give it a flax look.
There is a huge range of glassware, as this is Essenze’s specialty, and I particularly love the solid look of the work by Craig Ellis. There is also a great in house collection of cushions to choose from.
I love the delicate feel of the paintings on the oars that have become somewhat synonymous with the talented Leanne Culy. There is a fine example of her work displayed in vivid orange.
My favourite pieces, for their pure visual appeal, are the less Kiwi influenced in look, but owe much to our sense of do it yourself. The scaled down industrial coloured light shades by Catherine David in their clean finishes are lovely and easily used anywhere, but especially kitchens looking for that colour pop, and in children’s rooms.
My personal favourite is the new team from MOAD (Ministry of Art and Design). They have taken objects usually relegated to the scrap heap, or at the very least, the op shop, and have powder coated them in an eye watering range of colours. This has given them a new lease on life, and moved them firmly into the realm of objects of beauty. And in my case they are objects of lust!
The gallery is on the hunt for new artist to represent, as they expand globally. It is hard to see though, how they are going to improve on the artists they already have! Please note, the website is to be re-launched shortly with a full range of all the many artists currently exhibiting.
The back of the gallery, with David Trubridge’s sculpture taking centre stage
Essenze
223 Parnell Rd
Parnell, Auckland
Story and photography by Anya Brighouse 17 March 2011
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