New Zealand Art Auction Sale Reviews

It is refreshing to see truly rare and fresh to market artworks contained in an auction catalogue. Within our small New Zealand market, the auction house catalogues often have a similar feel to them with the same artists and type of work appearing each time. Of course this is simple economics and these are the artists who have proven interest on the secondary market. But every now and then a work comes along which really piques the interest levels and at the International Art Centre’s final Important and Rare Sale for 2023 held on 28 November, there were a few works which definitely ticked the rare box criteria.

Art + Object were the first cab off the rank this week for the last round of New Zealand art auctions for 2023. All eyes were on their Important Paintings and Contemporary Art sale on 21 November to provide a bit of a litmus test for market sentiment. This time last year, the market was still going strong but 12 months on, many would agree things have definitely become tougher in both the primary and secondary art markets.

This collection also includes the masterful self-portrait by Jaqueline Fahey, Artist as Warrior, 1957 (lot 43). The painting was featured on the back cover of the artist’s autobiography, Jaqueline Fahey; something for the birds. International Art Centre is delighted to present three works by Jacqueline Fahey in the forthcoming sale, along with hosting the artist in conversation with associate professor Linda Tyler on the 22nd of December. 

International Art Centre’s Art at Home sale offer astute collectors the opportunity to browse and acquire a diverse array of contemporary art, from emerging newcomers to established staples.

The buzz generated by International Art Centre's Collectable Art auctions reflects the popularity of this sale: an event at which seasoned connoisseurs and budding collectors alike converge to appreciate one of the most eclectic and diverse offerings available to the market.

Auctioneer Ben Plumbly had good reason to be relaxed on the rostrum at the Important Paintings and Contemporary Art auction at Art + Object sale in Auckland on 15 August 2023. A + O had put together an excellent sale, without as many blockbuster paintings as would normally be consigned, but a very good selection of works across the board, consigned at reasonable prices. The attendance in the room was strong, with at least three of Auckland’s art consultants in attendance (always a good sign that the works are top notch).

Art+Object’s second Important Paintings and Contemporary Art auction of 2023 is headlined by two important private collections, The Fairfield Trust Collection from Wellington, and the collection of sculptor Chris Booth.  These two private collections are supplemented by a further seventy odd lots from further anonymous, mixed vendors, together adding up to one of the most interesting and varied auction catalogues of 2023. 

It’s no secret within the trade that winter can be the hardest time to operate an art business. It’s cold, clients are reluctant to go out to events and many of the well-heeled art buyers end up spending most of the season overseas. Once they are there, it can be very difficult to get them to turn their minds to purchasing artwork.

Combine this with constant rain, an upcoming election, cost of living at its peak and a general apathy to life in New Zealand featuring as headline news most weeks, it’s no surprise that the art market in both the primary and secondary areas are experiencing a slow down after a record three years between 2020-2022.

From the monumental to the sublime the latest offering of Important & Rare Art at International Art Centre brings together a selection of works of national significance. 

Originally a small selection of top picks from the wider Art to Date catalogue, Webb’s Select has grown to become one of the most anticipated events on the auction house’s schedule – now warranting a catalogue of its very own.

At first glance, the cover for Art + Object’s Important Paintings and Contemporary Art Sale catalogue could have been mistaken for the publication of another auction house. The all-black cover featuring a traditional Maori portrait by Gottfried Lindauer is not the usual offering of Art + Object (A+O) which tends to promote their sales along more modern and contemporary lines but the opportunity to offer a Goldie and a Lindauer from the same Sydney collection was one not to be missed.

It was an unusual sight to see all members of the International Art Centre (IAC) team huddled around the phone desk looking stressed and no sign of auctioneer Richard Thompson on the rostrum at the scheduled start time of the first Important & Rare sale for the year. As those in attendance chatted, time ticked on and at 6.15pm the auction still had not commenced.
While a short delay to the start time isn’t usually concerning, (traffic and weather are the usual culprits) this felt different and at 6.20pm Richard Thompson advised that they were experiencing technical difficulties with the bidding platform. Not wanting to delay any longer, the auction commenced and the first lot was sold subject, but the back end issues on the platform continued, and Thompson announced a break for 20 minutes to see the problem could be fixed. By 7pm, it was decided to postpone the auction for 24 hours.

It was a refreshing and invigorating change to see a full room at Art + Object’s first auction of the year. At its peak, an estimated 200 clients packed into auction room with a further 500 registered online, to watch the collection of Ron Sang go under the hammer.
Ron Sang was a man who wore many hats; a notable architect, major collector of paintings, sculpture and ceramics by some of New Zealand’s most important artists, and subsequently a book publisher of monographs about many of these artists. He was someone whose worlds intersected with many. He was well known, well liked and was a passionate advocate for the arts and artists.