11 November – 24 December 2026 | Te Awanga, Hawke’s Bay
Red is a colour that rarely goes unnoticed. This November, Paper-Works Gallery presents Unexpected Red, its 2026 Christmas exhibition; a vibrant group show bringing together an exceptional collection of artists and creative perspectives, with the colour red as its point of departure.
Rather than prescribing a single interpretation, Unexpected Red explores the many ways artists respond to colour, form and expression. Across painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture and other creative disciplines, the exhibition reveals a diverse range of approaches, materials and ideas, united by a colour that has the power to catch the eye and change the atmosphere of a space.
A collection of individual perspectives
Featuring an expansive group of established and emerging artists, Unexpected Red offers visitors the opportunity to encounter an exciting breadth of contemporary art in one place.
From considered compositions and expressive mark-making to distinctive imagery and unexpected interpretations, each work brings its own character to the exhibition. Some embrace red with confidence; others explore it more subtly, allowing it to emerge through detail, contrast and texture. The result is a collection that feels varied, engaging and full of discovery an exhibition to take your time over, return to, and perhaps find something that speaks to you.
The exhibition features:
Michael Hawksworth, Andy King, Florence & Rebecca, Jacqui Colley, Bernie Winkels, Basia Smolnicki, Matt Couper, Euan Macleod, Konstantin Dimopoulos, Tony Lane, Sue Mabin, Alex Tylee, Kathy Reilly, Mirjam Lugt, Harumi Hayashi, Josh Lancaster, June Fairhead, Anne Wilson, Ali Evers-Swindell, Catherine Macdonald, Joanna Fieldes, Nigel Buxton, Julia Stevenson, Georgie Johnson, Sarah Hall, Robyn Fleet, Kyla Cresswell, Sarah Guppy, Sue Cooke, Jani Dixon (Mam Aotearoa), Gavin Chilcott and Tessa Chambers.
Art to discover, enjoy and give
As the Christmas season approaches, Unexpected Red also offers an opportunity to consider art as something lasting and meaningful. Whether you are looking to introduce an original artwork into your home, find a distinctive gift, or simply spend time discovering the work of talented artists, the exhibition presents a thoughtfully assembled selection of works to explore.
With paintings, limited-edition prints, photography and sculptural pieces, there is plenty to discover across the collection.
Visit Unexpected Red
Unexpected Red is showing at Paper-Works Gallery from 11 November to 24 December 2026. We warmly invite you to visit, explore the exhibition and experience the works in person.
Paper-Works Gallery
268 Clifton Road, Te Awanga
Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Gallery hours: Thursday – Sunday, 11am – 3pm