The Ocean Remembers the Shore

26 February – 29 March 2027 

Perpetual Guardian Sculpture on the Gulf, the outdoor exhibition showcasing art and sculpture, will return to Waiheke Island in February 2027. Presented by Waiheke Art Gallery, the much-loved biennial outdoor event will once again be nestled amidst the breathtaking backdrop of Matiatia Bay, on a 2.5 km coastal walkway.

Co-curators Heather Galbraith and Benjamin Work have created the curatorial framework The Ocean Remembers the Shore, inspired by Waiheke Island’s long history of offering shelter to those seeking safety and connection, which is reflected in its original name, Te Motu Ārai Roa/ The long sheltering island.

“The ocean is not just a body; it is a memory keeper. Sculpture becomes a way of listening to the ocean’s memory. The shore and the coast are where land and water, humans and non-humans, the past and the future come together in an ongoing dialogue.” – Perpetual Guardian Sculpture on the Gulf 2027 Curators Heather Galbraith and Benjamin Work