On Show 24 August to 23 November

Ifs is a solo exhibition of paintings and works on paper by Anoushka Akel (b.1977 Tāmaki Makaurau) that traces the development of her inquisitive language since 2012. Working between abstraction and figuration, Akel has developed a unique repertoire of forms derived from close studies of the formations and sensations that guide our experiences with the world. Bringing together several bodies of work, this is the first exhibition to chart Akel’s overarching approach to image-making, which seeks understanding in the fragmentation of encounters.

Anoushka Akel:

Ifs

On Show 7 September to 9 November

Sound of a Setting Sun is Fatma Bucak’s first solo exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere. Bringing together a selection of recent works by the artist, alongside a newly commissioned installation and performance video, the exhibition charts Bucak’s ongoing conceptual and poetic approaches to loss. Working across photography, performance, sound, video, and installation, Bucak addresses the consequences of ecological collapse and geopolitical tension, often by highlighting the impacts of human activity on animals and plants.

Sound of a Setting Sun highlights ecological and historical injustices by sharing unfolding, often invisible stories: the memories of a resilient plant, the reminiscence of a bird's song, the ink from burned books, a choir for a whispered sentence. This exhibition was made possible through the generous support of SAHA, The Chartwell Trust, and Stephanie and Sjoerd Post.

Fatma Bucak:

Sound of a Setting Sun

On Show 7 September to 9 November

And Campbell Patterson brings together video works produced by Campbell Patterson over the past 20 years, charting his distinctive approach to plainly documenting mundane, often absurd actions in commonplace settings. 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the artist’s notable serial work Lifting my mother for as long as I can. Paired with the videos is a suite of previously unexhibited paintings produced over 12 months that embody the time of their processing and the time of year they were produced.

Campbell Patterson:

And Campbell Patterson

On Show 20 September to 30 November

Karaka presents the artistic collaboration of nearly all 650 Green Bay Primary School students. Drawing inspiration from the developing relationship between the school and Te Kawerau ā Maki through the Mana Kura programme. Karaka explores our connection to Hikurangi West Auckland, focusing on the life and vitality of our Ngahere, Awa, Moana and the local pūrākau that intertwine them together. Each class has created painted compositions that blend abstraction with illustrative storytelling using a range of painting mediums. Collectively, the artworks reflect a weaving of place-based stories with freedom of creative exploration.

Green Bay Primary School:

Karaka

On Show 21 November 2025 to 8 February 2026
Awards and opening event 20 November, 6pm | FREE ENTRY

The Portage Ceramic Awards is an annual celebration of contemporary ceramics in Aotearoa. The award was established in 2001 and embraces the rich history of pottery in West Auckland. Since its inception, the award has maintained an inclusive framework, enabling practitioners with wide-ranging practices to enter.

2025 Finalists: Alex Jones, Amanda Kemp, Andrea Du Chatenier, Anna Crichton, Annette Bull, Arapeta Hākura & Ziggy Raven, Becky Richards, Chuck Joseph, Eva During (Eva Ding), Evelyn Hodowany, Fleur Palmer, Francoise Padellec, Jaime Jenkins, Janna van Hasselt, Jess Nicholson, Jo Raill Julie Cromwell, Kate Fitzharris, Maak Bow, Margaret MacDonald, Mariska De Jager, Mel Ford, Naomi Allan, Peter Lange, Peter Collis, Rebecca Flowerday, Rebecca Steedman, Riccardo Scott, Sam Ireland, Sam Dickenson, Sandra Te Awhitu Kerr, Scott Brough, Sha Ganjali, Stuart Newby, Thomas Baker, Toby Twiss.

The Portage Ceramic Awards 2025

Education Programmes and Workshops

Te Uru offers engaging learning opportunities for every art enthusiast. With scenic views of the surrounding landscape, our purpose built pokapū akoranga learning centre is an inspiring setting for learning how to make and think about art.

Ako - Learn