Our stop in Dunedin was up in the air until we got tips from an ex-local about the hot spots in and around the city. From talking to other travellers, many of them chose to skip the city due to it’s perception of “just another city centre”. In all honestly, they couldn’t be more wrong.
The city has historic origins dating back to the mid 1800′s where it was settled as the first Scottish colony in New Zealand. Today, the city is a major centre for the New Zealand arts scene, which was something we were really looking forward to checking out.
Of all the galleries in the city, the most obvious one resides smack dab in the middle of the city in an area known as the Octagon. Surrounding the Dunedin Art Gallery are a bunch of hip cafes, bars, shops and theatres. Like all major galleries, the exhibits on display are by mainly established artists from all over the world. Although interesting, the vibe of the gallery is quite standard with white walls and hardwood floors. The exhibits themselves are amazing, displaying art from as far back as the 1300′s to today and seeing the history behind the pieces is always interesting.
In contrast to the Dunedin Art Gallery is one of the coolest galleries we have ever visited. Only a couple blocks away resides Blue Oyster, which at first glance could pass as a sleazy strip joint. The reason reason we say this is because you have to walk down a typical city alley and enter a dark doorway that is illuminated by the neon blue glow of the gallery sign. Don’t let this deter you, it is all part of the charm! As you enter the gallery you are greeted with low hanging ceilings, concrete floors and a maze of hallways that brings you back to an underground bar of the prohibition era.
After talking to Jamie, the art director for the studio, we found out that each exhibit is on display for approximately six weeks and all the artists that are featured are local to New Zealand. While we were there, an artist by the name of Catharine Hodson manipulated the space with common debris that would be found amongst a typical city trash can.
An exhibit from 4:00AM Tondo Rondo made of Coffee Cups by Catharine Hodson, Antoinette Wood et al.
Although the Blue Oyster is federally funded, the exhibits are much edgier and expel a contemporary look and feel. Of all the galleries we visited in Dunedin, this is the one we actively endorse: the gallery itself is a sight to see and the collections are fresh and focused on local, up and coming artistic talent. Did I mention it is absolutely free?
Anisotropy by Alexandra Kennedy at the Blue Oyster Gallery
In the end our Dunedin visit turned out to be a highlight of our south island excursion. The environment surrounding the city is filled with unbelievable coastal scenery and the city itself boasts a vibrant and historic feel.
Hi guys,
thanks for showing my work on your blog.
regards
Alex
Hey Alexandra!
Glad you are okay with us posting your artwork on our blog – we really enjoyed your work at Blue Oyster, it is a really cool Gallery!
Regards,
Jackie and Jarrett
Hey guys,
It is your guide Scott from your Fox Glacier walk! Great to read your post about the glacier and see your pictures as well. I was also pretty excited that I could convince you to head over to Dunedin. It is a great little town, with a cool feel (which it sounds like you discovered for yourselves). Enjoy the rest of your travels!
Peace,
Scott Blackford Scheele
Scott!
thanks for swinging by the site! Your tips on Dunedin easily made the stop one of our favs on the south island. The peninsula is incredible, definitely some unique landscapes out there, and sandfly was great!
Hope NZ keeps treating ya well – if i remember correctly you were headed to SE asia? we are here right now and loving it…
if you haven’t copped a look yet, check our south island video on the site – where i retardedly call Fox glacier Fox mountain!
thanks again for the hook ups pal!