Exhibitions

REFINERY ARTSPACE

We stimulate and strengthen the artistic and cultural life of Whakatu, through a diverse programme of contemporary exhibitions, projects and events.

Comprising three adaptable gallery spaces and two large workshop facilities, Refinery ArtSpace is also the home to the Arts Council Nelson Team.

HOW TO EXHIBIT

Our Current Exhibitions

Kisetsu | 季節 | Seasons

Amy Yoshikawa Couling

Kisetsu is the Japanese word for the four seasons. Appreciation of each season is an integral part of Japanese culture, with different festivals being celebrated nationwide every spring, summer, autumn and winter. Seasonal motifs feature in every aspect of daily life and their symbolism is represented in food, art, music, literature, pottery, kimono patterns and the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Observing and acknowledging every season has always been a way to practise mindfulness and to enjoy the present moment.

Opening 17 Nov from 5.30pm

18 Nov - 13 Dec.

ARTIST TALK: 11am Sat Dec 13

Wa Hei | Peace

Yuyu Calligraphy School

Hei Wa / Peace is a selection of works by students of Nelson's Yuyu Calligraphy School.

Their work is exhibited alongside work by master calligrapher Akiko Crowther, as a celebration of 20 years of teaching in Nelson.

There's information on Yu Yu Japanese Calligraphy School here.

Opening 17 Nov from 5.30pm

18 Nov - 13 Dec

REFINERY ARTSPACE

Decorative Histories

Isla Thomson

Isla’s practice is multidisciplinary, focusing on recreating historical processes using the techniques of the past to create textiles, garments, and artworks. Incorporating experimental archaeology into her practice by researching primary sources and replicating the techniques used to revive crafts of the past and forgotten methods.

She explores how these processes would have worked in a practical way, and if the primary texts reflect the accuracy of the period techniques, and how we can feel connected to this history by recreating the processes and discovering what we can learn from these ancient methods.

Opening 17 Nov from 5.30pm

18 Nov - 13 Dec

Coming up

REFINERY ARTSPACE
&
ARTS COUNCIL
NELSON

RAW ‘25

Submissions are open for RAW 2025, an exhibition for creative people who work outside the edge.

RAW aims to showcase works:

- created by people who have no formal or traditional art training

- that express individuality and inventiveness

- that are ‘RAW’ – uncooked by cultural and artistic influences

Image: Monstero Man | Ana Burne

FIND OUT MORE

Arca Arcade Round One

Arca Arcade is a convergence of nostalgic technology and contemporary artistic sensibilities.

Under the meticulous direction of designer Preston Khan McNeil, playable arcade machines take on a transformative role as wall mounted installations that are adorned with te ao Māori influences and styles of Aotearoa New Zealand’s eminent artists.

By collaborating with talents Gina Kiel, Flox, Otis Frizzell, Joe Sheehan, and Otis Chamberlain, Arca Arcade “Round One” emits a distinctive flavour that is uniquely Aotearoa New Zealand.

Opening 5.30pm Tuesday

16th December - All Welcome

Geak Speak | Artist Talk

7pm 16th December

Control Freak | Workshop

Fri 23rd Jan 5.30 - 8.30pm

Street Fighter II | Competition

Sat Jan 24th 12 - 3pm

EXHIBITIONS