Age of Discovery

Overview

An immersive and excessive new art exhibition is coming to the city this spring, inviting you to step into a surreal new world within an inner-city hotel. From Auckland-based artist Heather Straka and SCAPE public art comes Age of Discovery, set to take over the Sudima Auckland City from November 16 — 20.

If you like mysterious characters in your films and books, you'll want to catch this photography exhibition where the subjects of each work remain just a little out of reach, drawing audiences into a world of glamour and intrigue. It's all fitting given the exhibition's location — we've all had moments where we've wondered about the lives of our fellow hotel guests. Who are these stylish strangers and enigmatic characters? Why are they here?

"I have always been drawn to those encounters one has in the communal areas of a hotel, on a point between departure and destination," says Straka. "As an artist, these are the inspiration for much of my work. In these spaces, we are brought together, out of our usual places to this transient one, where we cohabit if only for a fleeting moment."

You don't have to be a hotel guest to check out Age of Discovery which will be housed throughout the floors of the Sudima Auckland from November 16 — 20, but it may make you inclined to stay. Or just head up to the rooftop for a drink and a bite at the freshly opened Sunset bar— you'll be able to catch some of the works up there as well.

Heather Straka, Mambokadzi Tsvarakadenga Queen The Beautiful One,2021. Image courtesy of the artist and SCAPE Public Art.

Top image: Heather Straka, 'Late Check Out' (Delaney Davidson), 2022