Presented in partnership with Devonport’s Flagstaff Gallery, SO/ Gallery continues SO/ Auckland’s mission of creating immersive lifestyle offerings to intrigue both guests and Auckland’s cultural scene.
SO/ Gallery is now open to the public and hotel guests, from 12-6pm every Thursday and Friday at 57 Customs Street, next door to SO/ Auckland hotel.
‘The Rachel Rush Residency,’ will mark the first exhibition held at SO/ Gallery, which officially launches on April 11. It kickstarts local artist Rachel Rush’s six-month exclusive takeover of the space.
The partnership continues a relationship between SO/ Auckland, Rachel Rush and Flagstaff Gallery, which was sparked by a successful hotel-wide art takeover, staycation and ‘Alter Ego’ exhibition inside SO/ Auckland in February this year.
“SO/ Gallery gives me the opportunity to showcase both sides of my work in a fully immersive space,” notes Rachel Rush. “It allows an effortless connection from the SO/ Auckland to SO/Gallery, creating a playground to invoke curiosity between the connection of my art in these beautiful spaces.”
To mirror this initial chapter of SO/ Gallery, a new influx of Rachel Rush’s art will be dotted around SO/ Auckland’s hotel. From sky-high restaurant Harbour Society to the lobby’s MIXO Bar, Rachel Rush’s art will add equal parts colour and intrigue to the space.
Javalab, SO/ Auckland’s ground-floor corner café, will see the most bold takeover—a firm nod to neighbour SO/ Gallery, one door down at 57 Customs Street. New canvases, intriguing life-size mannequins and immersive nods to her art mark this next chapter.
In addition to the evolving art pieces, SO/ Gallery will provide an event space: from private gatherings to meetings or a series of art-infused ticketed programmes and events by SO/ Auckland, to be announced.
“I am excited about the possibilities of bringing Rachel’s art to our hotel spaces and to enhance our guest experience by providing curated art tours in the gallery,” notes Tarek Beheiry, SO/ Auckland’s General Manager, whose vision is “for the gallery to become a must visit art destination, right in the heart of Auckland’s downtown.”
It’s a sentiment shared by Cary Cochrane, Director of Flagstaff Gallery who also represents Rachel Rush. “SO/ Gallery is Auckland’s newest cultural gem, where the dynamic energy of urban graffiti works meets the refined elegance of abstract art. Flagstaff Gallery’s experienced team will be managing this exciting new space and will guide you as you delve into Rush’s unique blend of colour, texture and striking characters.”
“Rachel Rush’s art is known for two distinct styles. The raw intensity of gritty urban pieces alongside the tranquil beauty of alluring abstract works. Join us at the opening as we celebrate the fusion of contrasts, the harmony of chaos and calm, and the undeniable talent of Rachel Rush,” says Cochrane.
SO/ Gallery is a temporary art gallery by SO/ Auckland, now open Thursdays and Fridays from 12-6pm. Entry is complimentary. Private appointments are available, and the space is open to host private events.
