21 September 2024, 3:00 AM
Gibbs Farm offers an extraordinary and captivating setting for one of the world’s most remarkable sculpture collections. Nestled in North Auckland, this expansive property is dominated by the vast Kaipara Harbour, the largest harbour in the Southern Hemisphere. Stretching across the entire western horizon, the harbour’s shallow nature reveals broad flats as the tide recedes, casting shimmering reflections that dance across the land. This dynamic landscape not only enhances the visual experience but also serves as a threshold for the powerful westerly winds that sweep across the farm, shaping the environment with their raw, elemental energy.The land itself flows naturally towards the sea, creating a gravitational pull that permeates the entire property. Every sculpture within Gibbs Farm must contend with this pull, adapting to the dramatic convergence of land, water, and elemental forces. As Alan Gibbs himself observes: “The challenge for the artists is the scale of the landscape; it scares them initially.” This vast, awe-inspiring environment demands something extraordinary from each artist, urging them to engage with the sheer magnitude of the landscape.Visitors to Gibbs Farm, as they navigate its rolling hills, deep gullies, and expansive harbour flats, witness how each artist has uniquely responded to the land’s overwhelming presence. The steady decline towards the sea exerts an invisible force on every work, drawing out a creative interplay between the natural world and sculptural forms.Over the course of nearly two decades, Gibbs Farm has curated an impressive collection featuring works by renowned artists such as Graham Bennett, Chris Booth, Daniel Buren, Bill Culbert, Neil Dawson, Marijke de Goey, Andy Goldsworthy, Ralph Hotere, Anish Kapoor, Sol LeWitt, Len Lye, Russell Moses, Peter Nicholls, Eric Orr, Tony Oursler, George Rickey, Peter Roche, Richard Serra, Kenneth Snelson, Richard Thompson, Leon van den Eijkel, and Zhan Wang. Most of these sculptures were specially commissioned, allowing Gibbs to work directly with the artists. This close collaboration is a rewarding process, as Gibbs reflects: “They’re interesting because they’re winners—tough, ambitious, and creative.”Each commissioned sculpture reflects not only the individual artist’s interpretation of the landscape but also the intricate relationship between art, nature, and the powerful elemental forces that define this exceptional setting. Gibbs Farm stands as a living testament to the dialogue between human creativity and the untamed beauty of the natural world, offering visitors an unparalleled experience as they journey through a landscape that continually evolves with its monumental artworks.1Alan Gibbs: The Visionary Behind Gibbs FarmAlan Gibbs is a prominent New Zealand businessman, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and art collector. He is widely known for his entrepreneurial ventures and his passion for contemporary sculpture, as showcased through Gibbs Farm. The 1,000-acre property on the Kaipara Harbour reflects Gibbs’ vision of blending large-scale industrial engineering with artistic expression, creating a space where art and nature coexist in harmony.Gibbs Farm: A Sculpture Park Like No OtherGibbs Farm is internationally renowned for its expansive collection of large-scale outdoor sculptures. As one of the world’s largest outdoor sculpture parks, it features works by leading contemporary artists, all carefully positioned within the dramatic setting of the Kaipara Harbour. This unique environment provides a canvas where artists can create monumental pieces that engage deeply with the landscape.Art Patronage and CollaborationAn avid art collector, Alan Gibbs has demonstrated his deep commitment to the arts through the development of Gibbs Farm. Unlike traditional collections, Gibbs prefers to commission new works rather than purchase existing ones, allowing for a more intimate and collaborative relationship with artists. This engagement ensures that each sculpture is not only tailored to the farm’s unique features but also resonates with the forces of nature that continually shape the environment.In this way, Gibbs Farm has become a living testament to the interplay between art, nature, and engineering, offering visitors a unique experience where the beauty of contemporary art is amplified by the raw power of the natural world.Gibbs Farm has supported charitable causes through hosting fundraising events. The farm’s breathtaking setting on the Kaipara Harbour has provided an extraordinary backdrop for numerous fundraisers, offering attendees the rare chance to experience world-class art while contributing to worthy causes. For 2024, several opportunities remain to explore the property and its sculpture collection while supporting various organizations. The upcoming events include:Each fundraising event offers a rare chance to explore Gibbs Farm, with its stunning landscape and world-renowned collection of sculptures, while directly contributing to charitable organizations making a difference in New Zealand. Whether supporting the preservation of Māori heritage, rescuing stray animals, or funding critical health initiatives, attendees will experience the farm's magic while helping improve lives across various sectors of the community.1) Te Kia Ora Marae Trust Fundraiser – Saturday, 5th October 2024This event supports the Te Kia Ora Marae Trust, an organization that plays a vital role in maintaining and promoting Māori culture, community, and heritage. The funds raised through this event will go toward the development, preservation, and operational needs of the marae, ensuring it continues to serve as a gathering place for cultural, educational, and social activities for the local iwi (tribe).Visitors attending the fundraiser will have the opportunity to walk through Gibbs Farm, taking in its majestic sculptures while knowing their contributions are helping sustain an essential cultural hub. The event not only promotes the well-being of the community but also strengthens connections between people and the land, reflecting the values at the heart of Te Kia Ora Marae.2) Gibbs Farm Gutter Kitties Fundraiser – Friday, 11th October 2024This event is organized to raise funds for Gutter Kitties, one of New Zealand's largest no-kill animal rescues focused on caring for stray, abandoned, and neglected cats. Gutter Kitties works tirelessly to provide medical care, foster homes, and eventual adoption for these vulnerable animals. The fundraiser will help the organization continue its vital work, including the costs of food, veterinary services, and rehoming initiatives.Guests who attend this event at Gibbs Farm will not only support the lives of countless animals but also get to explore the farm’s expansive art collection. It’s a unique opportunity to combine a love for animals with a passion for contemporary art in a setting that is both peaceful and inspiring.3) Gibbs Farm Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ FundraiserThis event is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand, an organization focused on providing support, information, and research funding for those affected by prostate cancer, one of the most common cancers among men. The foundation works tirelessly to offer patient support programs, raise public awareness, and promote early detection through education campaigns.By attending this fundraiser, participants will not only have the chance to wander through Gibbs Farm’s awe-inspiring sculptures but also contribute to a cause that affects thousands of New Zealand men and their families each year. Supporting the Prostate Cancer Foundation helps ensure that vital research and patient support services continue to make a difference in the lives of those battling this disease.Book @ https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/venue/gibbs-art-farm-auckland
