The new gallery is in the character filled La Gonda building. Photo: Charles Ninow
Tāmaki Makaurau's eclectic Karangahape Road is known as a creative hub for alternative arts and events, unique hospitality and independent retailers. Now it can add a new fine arts gallery to its attractions.
The gallery is the brainchild of former head of art at Webb's, Charles Ninow.
Ninow is known for a disruptive approach to the art business, and says the new gallery is no exception.
"I felt that I had something to offer that no one else was, and I asked myself can I offer something to a group of people who aren't well served currently.”
The gallery is located in the La Gonda building and has a rich history. Originally constructed in the 1920s to house a furniture store, the building was renamed in the 1950s when it was acquired by the La Gonda textile and fashion house.
Ninow says he was drawn to the building for its character.
"I am a little bit sick of the white cube gallery, where all you are looking at is four walls, I wanted to have a different feel".
Charles Ninow opened his new gallery in December. Photo: Charles Ninow
The former head of art at Webbs plans to step away from the traditional models used in the past.
"I am doing small shows, of things that I think are important, things that are intellectually stimulating, and I will probably play a little bit with the format.”
"Are there ways that we can change that to make it better for artists, to make more commercial sense, to make more sales, and better for audiences also, that's what I am going to explore."
A page from Ralph Paine's 'Leaves from a Pillow Book' Photo: Charles Ninow
The opening exhibition at the gallery is by local artist, Ralph Paine - Leaves from a Pillow Book, a sixty-three-piece work of collaged paper ‘leaves’ completed in 2022 and à la Leibniz, a series of eight watercolour pencil works completed in in 2023.
Charles Ninow joins Culture 101.
Ralph Paine - Leaves from a Pillow Book is on until December 21st at 102/203 Karangahape Road.
