We are living through a period of unprecedented change and as part of this seismic shift, we are witnessing a significant re-calibration in how the world views indigenous arts. Not just in our region, but globally. Until now, most collections of three-dimensional artefacts from our region, Oceania and New Zealand in particular, have been sold in the Western markets of New York, London, or Paris, without a showcase for their sale in our region.
In response to our changing world and sensing an exciting opportunity, Artvisory is proud to announce: The Indigenous Arts of The Southern Hemisphere that will expand traditional borders of interest, to encompass the arts that define the Southern Hemisphere.
The truly unique art forms of our indigenous peoples define our regional history over millennia, from three-dimensional artefacts to contemporary artworks.
We will proudly show three-dimensional artefacts alongside contemporary artworks by the more famous names of New Zealand and Australian Indigenous artists from the 20th century, embracing a relationship of ancient indigenous art forms with their contemporary iterations.
To lead this exciting Trans-Tasman concept, we are delighted to welcome highly regarded New Zealand specialists: James and Melissa Parkinson who will join up withAustralian Indigenous art veteran specialist Shaun Dennison and the Artvisory team.
James Parkinson has been appointed the Head of Ethnographic Art at Artvisory.He previously served as Head of Ethnographic Art, Asian Art, and Valuations at Dunbar Sloane Ltd and was a founding director of the auction house Art &Object. With 35 years of experience in the New Zealand auction industry, James has established a distinguished career as both an auctioneer and valuer. He has been commissioned to provide acquisition and valuation advice to many of New Zealand’s leading public art institutions, museums, and galleries. In March 2024, he oversaw an Ethnographic Art auction that set a new record for sales totals in New Zealand—one of the ten highest-grossing ethnographic auctions worldwide that year.
Melissa Parkinson Melissa was previously a specialist of Oceanic Art and Applied Arts, and Valuation Consultant at Dunbar Sloane Ltd in New Zealand. Melissa has developed innovative methodology for complex large-scale institutional and museum valuations. Her most recent projects include valuations for the NZ Government House collection, the New Zealand National Library collection, and the entire national collection held at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Melissa holds a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Victoria University of Wellington: Te Herenga Waka.
Shaun Dennison Shaun Dennison is a veteran of the Indigenous art world in Australia. Having established specialist auctions of Indigenous art for Christies in Australia, back in 2004, Shaun has presided over many notable collection auctions since, including the white-glove auction of the collection of American billionaire- John W Kluge, sold under instructions from Columbia University, and held in association with Christie’s New York.
This auction will be held in two Parts: In Melbourne, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand and will feature the finest indigenous arts from all of the cultures of the Southern-Hemisphere. James and Melissa Parkinson will be in Australia to meet clients Melbourne June 2-13 and Sydney June 14-19.
If you would like to be part of this ground-breaking auction, please make contact to make an appointment to meet any of our specialists.
