During a glamorous event at the Auckland Art Gallery, an artwork was unfortunately damaged, leading to a criminal charge being filed.
At The Curious Ball last month, guests enjoyed alcohol and had exclusive after-hours access to Olafur Eliasson’s exhibition, known for its high-value pieces.
The damaged artwork was a hanging sculpture, one of the highlights of the exhibition.
The Curious Ball, held on 1 March at the Auckland Art Gallery, attracted 208 attendees. This was the second time the event took place, following a successful debut in 2024.
The event promised an unforgettable night of art, dance, music, and culinary delights, featuring performances by contemporary dance groups, a soprano singer, and a DJ. Canapés and cocktails were served throughout the night.
VIP tickets were priced at $300, while general admission tickets were $200. Notable personalities present at the event included fashion designer Karen Walker and model/actor Colin Mathura-Jeffree.
The main attraction was the exclusive after-hours access to Eliasson’s unique exhibition, showcasing installations, sculptures, and photographs. This marked the first time his work was exhibited in Aotearoa, starting from early December.
Auckland Art Gallery did not provide an interview but Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s CEO, Nick Hill, stated that the main event took place in the Te Ātea North Atrium, where guests could dance and enjoy refreshments. Unfortunately, one guest damaged a hanging sculpture that was a loaned piece for the exhibition.
The gallery’s conservation team confirmed the damage, with one of the outer sheets of the artwork cracked and a glass shard broken off. The lender was notified, and the artwork is currently undergoing repairs, ensuring no lasting damage.
Eliasson’s artworks are highly valued, with pieces selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars. In fact, Christies in New York recently valued one of his works at US$150,000.
An investigation was conducted by the gallery, and the matter was reported to the police. Subsequently, a 29-year-old woman was charged with wilful damage and remanded on bail, scheduled to appear in the Auckland District Court in April.
