Dreams and possibilities at Auckland Art Gallery

The most fragrant artwork in Auckland took almost a week to put together, countless packets of spices, and a good supply of face masks to stop gallery staff breathing in the heady fumes of turmeric and cumin.

The weird and wonderful creation, by Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto, is currently on display at the Auckland Art Gallery as part of an exhibition called Space to Dream: Recent Art from South America.

With its otherworldly shape, stocking-like tendrils and rich, earthy colours, the work has attracted intense stares and delighted gasps from curious gallery visitors.

"People are fascinated by it," laughs Auckland Art Gallery principal curator Zara Stanhope. "They love how different it is, and the scale of it. A lot of people want to touch it, they're overcome with the sensory nature of it."

And with five different spices giving off a tantalising scent, the distinctive artwork, titled Just like drops in time, nothing, is a feast for the nostrils as well as the eyes.

Whether it makes you think of your mum's home cooking, cosy nights at home eating your favourite curry, or a visit to an exotic spice market during an overseas adventure, there are countless ways to interpret it - and that's all part of the fun.

"Some people see stalactites, other people are reminded of nature," Zara says. "Everyone relates to the work in different ways, and it's about being open to possibilities."

The aromatic artwork is on display until 18 September, alongside the work of 41 artists from six different South American countries. Spanning nearly five decades of art, the exhibition includes painting, sculpture, installation, film and performance.

With artists from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay and Uruguay taking part, the exhibition is a fascinating mix of cultures, histories and world views. But it's not all about sticking to tradition - many of the works take a playful look at contemporary culture and popular art.

"It represents the variety, and the dynamic nature of South America," Zara says. "It cuts across different cultures and gives people a window into art from these countries."

Alongside the artwork, the gallery is hosting events every weekend until the Space to Dream exhibition ends, which will include music, films, talks and tours.

While Ernesto Neto is well-known in Brazil, this is the first time any of his work of this scale has been shown in New Zealand. The fascinating creation belongs to the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney, and when the exhibition ends, it will be emptied of spices, packaged up snugly and sent back across the Tasman.

In the meantime, if you happen to catch a whiff of turmeric as you're walking around Auckland Art Gallery, you'll know you're not imagining things.

aucklandartgallery.com

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