The Diversion Gallery

19/06/2026

Revelling in glorious new jewellery just arrived from Jeremy Leeming, plus a new series of ‘trench art’ brooches from Martin de Ruyter with a Palestine theme (thanks to a query from a keen supporter!).

17/06/2026

She Belongs - an elegant dance between sculpture and shadow with Robyn Webster’s new kinetic bronze on bluestone plinth. Feeling connected with Marlborough in glorious winter light…

13/06/2026

The smallest paintings can be the most exquisite in the room - like In Touch with Ice i and ii by Claire Beynon in our Winter Exhibition. Both initiated on her 2005 trip to Antarctica. 145x200mm, oil and ink on gessoed canvas, intricate and engaging. I discovered them on her studio wall and knew they needed to be seen!

05/06/2026

Opening tonight 5th June at 6pm! Thunder and lightning all night so we don't need a drum roll for the opening of our Winter Uplift, featuring 12 superb artists. Celebrating with a fine selection of Forrest Wines. Below, much awaited large painting 'Evergreen' from Bridget Bidwill; and Otago Harbour through the expressive lens of the inimitable Wayne Seyb.
Plus works by JS Parker, Graham Bennett, Roy Good, Don Binney (Estate), Robyn Webster, Philip Trusttum, Brad Novak, Michel Tuffery, Kathryn Madill, Claire Beynon.
We are also celebrating the launch of our new website... we look forward to showing you more!

22/05/2026

Life imitates art... Pilot boat passing Tukurehu photo 2026 vs Gerda Leenards painting 2025 (currently on show in our Autumn exhibition). Tukurehu - the island that floats from the mist - also known to locals as Mabel Island. I know which name I prefer!

20/05/2026

Excellent documentary about Roy Good one of the pioneers/stalwarts of modernist abstraction in NZ. I was honoured to be asked to do the Q&A in Wellington last night! There’s a lot to discover about his design work too - you’ll recognise a lot.
Upcoming screenings listed below.

16/05/2026

Quiet energy in Roy Good’s abstracts in our autumn exhibition rehang - as the outstanding documentary on his art and design tours NZ in the Resene Architecture and Design Film Festival. Looking forward to the special Q&A screening in Wellington on Tuesday 19th 6pm at the Embassy Theatre.

15/05/2026

Looking forward to the screening in Wellington and Q&A with Roy Good on Tuesday 19th! Check the website for other screening dates in various centres including Blenheim next week. We’re privileged to show a selection of his work in our autumn exhibition.

03/05/2026

Amazing documentary! This and other films are touring the country. Look forward to being part of the Q and A session with Roy Good in Wellington at the Embassy Theatre on 19 May! The film will also screen in Blenheim and Nelson later this month.

https://www.rialto.co.nz/Cinema/Newmarket/EventsFestivals/RADFFWorldPremiere

24/04/2026

Yes, the gallery is open tomorrow Anzac Day (exhibitions of art are permitted), including these distinctive Poppy brooches by Martin de Ruyter who learned ‘trench art’ from his forbears who served in WWI. Made from bullet casings, his Anzac poppies pay homage to those who served - and between battles, made items from whatever they could find in the trenches.
Current exhibition - Into Autumn, group exhibition by distinctive NZ artists including Bing Dawe, Roy Good, JS Parker, Bridget Bidwill, Robyn Webster, Don Binney and more. Open Weds-Saturday 10-4 or on request.