Artists announced for 2027 Perpetual Guardian Sculpture on the Gulf’s Exhibition: The Ocean Remembers the Shore

Perpetual Guardian Sculpture on the Gulf, the outdoor exhibition showcasing art and sculpture on Waiheke Island, has announced the first line-up of artists for the 2027 event.

Since its inception in 2003, Perpetual Guardian Sculpture on the Gulf has become a much-loved and renowned outdoor sculpture exhibition, making a unique contribution to the cultural life of Aotearoa New Zealand. Nestled on a 2.5 km coastal walkway against the breathtaking backdrop of Matiatia Bay, the event harnesses the potential of contemporary sculpture to activate the environment, creating opportunities for audiences to experience the power and beauty of sculpture in the landscape.

Co-curators Heather Galbraith and Benjamin Work have created the curatorial framework The Ocean Remembers the Shore, inspired by Waiheke Island’s long history of offering shelter to those seeking safety and connection, which is reflected in its original name, Te Motu Ārai Roa/ The long sheltering island. Co-curators Heather Galbraith and Benjamin Work say, “We were motivated by the long, layered history of the island, its place within Tīkapa Moana, and the myriad of ways contemporary artists respond to site and context.

We want to provide a rich spectrum of encounters for audiences. Through the Expressions of Interest process, we shared four sub-themes artists were invited to respond to: The Ocean and the Shore, Regeneration, Shelter and Connections/Connectedness, and we were excited by the creative responses.
The ocean is not just a body; it is a memory keeper. Sculpture becomes a way of listening to the ocean’s memory. The shore and the coast are where land and water, humans and non-humans, the past and the future come together in an ongoing dialogue.”

Director of Perpetual Guardian Sculpture on the Gulf, Fiona Blanchard, is thrilled to share the initial artist lineup. “The event will be full of thought-provoking, playful, surprising, engaging, and inspiring works, which will culminate in a fun, stimulating and fulfilling day out for people of all ages,” Blanchard adds.

With the artist line-up finalised, the meticulous planning by the SOTG team ramps up.

Perpetual Guardian Sculpture on the Gulf 2027 will open to the public on February 26 and will run until March 29, 2027. The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of events, including artist talks, workshops, and guided tours, providing visitors with the opportunity to delve deeper into the world of contemporary sculpture.

Waiheke is a 40-minute ferry trip from Auckland. It has vineyards, world-class hospitality, pristine beaches, and scenery that feeds the soul. Book ahead to eat, play and stay on this island paradise over several days. Tickets will be on sale from early 2026.

For the full programme, to purchase tickets, and to become a Patron or volunteer, visit sotg.nz.

The first release of the artist line-up for Perpetual Guardian Sculpture on the Gulf 2027 is:

• Chris Bailey**

• SJ Blake

• Elliot Collins

• Sean Kerr, Judy Darragh, Qianye & Qianhe Lin

• Sione Faletau

• Anton Forde

• Gill Gatfield

• Sean Hill

• Stevei Houkamau

• Ioane Ioane & Martin Loire

• Fiona Jack

• Emily Karaka & Reuben Kirkwood

• Virginia King

• Michelle Mayn

• Gabby O’Connor

• Ben Pearce

• Elisabeth Pointon

• Ngaroma Riley