Lukasz Ograbek

Lukasz Ograbek is not afraid to say it how he feels;

“The idea for this series was born when I saw a three colour veneer panel installation costing a small fortune a while back, coated with “hand ground gesso, rabbit skin glue, unicorns horn oil” and more otherworldly mixtures. It was so soulless, numbing and generic, mainstream orientated, not forgetting to mention that Mondrian did it and so much better.

The whole thing created a revolt in my brain and heart!

As the universe unravelled itself by pure chance, within a week I came across a set of 20 or so veneer doors from a 1940s kitchen. I had to take this opportunity to prove a few points.”

Emerging Artist Award 2018

Are you an emerging Auckland artist who uses your creativity to showcase empathy and understanding?

Then the 10th EAA Exhibition is the perfect place to showcase your work.

Entries are now open to emerging artists across all media types.

In celebration of our 10th Anniversary, The Upstairs Gallery in Titirangi, Auckland - has chosen a theme we’re incredibly passionate about. Your art will engage our local community in support of mental health, with messaging that counters misunderstandings, fear and prejudice.

The work of 10 deserving finalists will be exhibited in The Upstairs Gallery, and 3 will be awarded with prizes worth over $5000.

Meet Steve Cascalheira

Steve Cascalheira is a graphic artist based in West Auckland. Working in a range of styles and mediums, Steve's work ranges from detailed silkscreen prints, sketching to bright and bold pop art paintings.

After being diagnosed with a brain tumour 2 years ago and having undergone brain surgery shortly after that, Steve found it extremely difficult to focus on computer work for long periods of time. Steve was told to try using his artistic ability as a tool for recovery.

He started to draw, and paint more often, and took it upon himself to ‘get better’ if ever anyone ever wanted to ‘find a silver lining’ this would be it....

ArtistsEmma BMay 14, 2018The Upstairs GalleryArtist, ContemporaryComment

Meet Bonnie Coad

Bonnie is a Visual Artist specialising in mixed media collage.

During her studies, Bonnie developed her unique series of pattern animal art works that has quickly become her signature style. She incorporates old sewing patterns and her own hand made collage papers in her art works to create original pieces.

She has a keen interest in graphic text and languages and uses them to add an interesting multicultural element to her work. Texture, Bright colours and humour with an emphasis on the ridiculous are also repeating themes within her body of work.

ArtistsEmma BApril 27, 2018The Upstairs GalleryArtist, ContemporaryComment

Emerging Artist Award 2018

Are you an emerging Auckland artist who uses your creativity to showcase empathy and understanding?

Then the 10th EAA Exhibition is the perfect place to showcase your work.

Entries are now open to emerging artists across all media types.

In celebration of our 10th Anniversary, The Upstairs Gallery in Titirangi, Auckland - has chosen a theme we’re incredibly passionate about. Your art will engage our local community in support of mental health, with messaging that counters misunderstandings, fear and prejudice.

The work of 10 deserving finalists will be exhibited in The Upstairs Gallery, and 3 will be awarded with prizes worth over $5000.

Meet Larisse Hall

Combining the ethereal quality of light with the materiality of paint and form, Hall fuses traditional techniques of painting with the science and colour of physical light.

ArtistsEmma BOctober 30, 2017The Upstairs GalleryArtist, Sculptor, LightComment

Meet Victoria Veldhuizen

We have a plethora of work from Multiverse Designs - Victoria Veldhuizen, available for sale in the gallery boutique.

Victoria creates special pieces from reclaimed wood out of demolished houses and finishes with natural hemp seed oil and beewax which gives it a distinctive look.

ArtistsEmma BOctober 16, 2017Jewellery, wood, laser cutComment

Meet Anna Leyland

Anna Leyland is a contemporary New Zealand artist (full-time since 2012). Utilising pattern making and symbolism, her works are a contemporary conversation about Aotearoa and the beauty of multiculturalism, which is so prevalent in the 'Land of the Long White Cloud'.

ArtistsEmma BOctober 15, 2017Artist, ContemporaryComment

Meet Ronja Schipper

By re-using under-valued resources for creating her design pieces, she's aiming to highlight the relationship with our at risk environment. Ronja is particularly passionate about re-purposing discarded items and materials, and turning them into meaningful objects of desire.

ArtistsEmma BOctober 15, 2017The Upstairs GalleryArtist, JewelleryComment

Meet Vinny M

My vision as an artist is to celebrate the beauty in our natural environment. I believe we have a connection with nature and I strive to tell that story through my work.

ArtistsEmma BOctober 15, 2017The Upstairs GalleryArtist, Painter, landscapes, natureComment

Meet Jo Tricker

Meet Jo Tricker.

Jo uses kilnforming and flameworking techniques to make a variety of beautiful glass objects- both functional and decorative. Her inspiration comes from travel, books, music, dance, her children and her family history.

ArtistsEmma BOctober 14, 2017The Upstairs GalleryArtist, Glass

Meet Carlos Toalii

Meet Carlos. I found Upstairs Art Gallery on Volunteering Auckland. I made an appointment to meet Teena and apply to be a gallery assistant. I told her of my history and after checking with my Key Worker she took me on. It was probably one of the most important decisions in my life.

In-ART-iculate PICK, Artists, CommunityEmma BOctober 14, 2017The Upstairs GalleryArtist, Painter, Volunteer

Meet Sammy Milne

Meet Sammy Milne - our treasured Gallery Manager and Chief Art Curator.

She's a talented painter, photographer, mum of two and wife to one. The driving force behind our community hub and who absolutely pours her heart and soul into creating a warm, welcoming space for creatives and our wider community.