Heads and other things in the clouds

Sophie Bond checks out the shape of things to come.
Giving sculptors free rein in the great outdoors provides for an astonishing visual experience. A huge stainless steel droplet rises from the sea, a flight of stairs climbs from a cliff edge towards the clouds and a colossal head surveys the island.
Those are just some of the artworks created over the years for Waiheke Island's biennial Headland, Sculpture on the Gulf exhibition. 2011 marks the fifth event which begins on January 28 and showcases 39 New Zealand artists.
One Auckland artist has shown a piece in every Headland exhibition. Helensville sculptor Jeff Thomson says it's an important part of his calendar. "I try to put a lot of energy into it. The exhibition is a combination of the most stunning seaside environment and the excitement of coming across interesting, bizarre, fascinating sculpture along the way."
Thomson's previous contributions all used corrugated iron and, next year, he'll be back with more. He says his sculpture, inspired by Maori weaving, could take up to a week to assemble on site and is "more of an installation than an object".
The setting influences his creation. "I go over for a walk, look at the site and think about what I could do with that area. The lay of the land does reflect on how it will look."
Thomson believes Headland has appeal for everyone from families with young children to serious art buffs. "Even I get excited by what people are making each year."
The inaugural event attracted 12,000 visitors; in 2009 more than 25,000 walked the 2.5km trail from Matiatia ferry terminal. All sculptures are for sale, priced from $150 to $100,000-plus.
More info: www.sculptureonthegulf.co.nz
Across town at Lopdell House Gallery in Titirangi Village, the Where are we? exhibition looks at the names and stories behind New Zealand towns, rivers and mountains.
The exhibition is born out of and displayed alongside the book Place Names of New Zealand. Each piece interprets a place name.
"The exhibition is a way of presenting art, history and stories," says curator Kate Wells. "I think it's quite nice that people can have a few different names. I think it's fun if people in Taranaki can call it the Naki, but other people might be quite offended."
The mixture of photography, prints, sculpture, paintings and installation from 23 artists including local resident Colin McCahon and Dick Frizzell are on display until February 13. Entry is free, and the gallery is open daily from 10am to 4.30pm. Ph 817 8087 or see: www.lopdell.org.nz
Other major exhibitions include ...
Brick Bay Sculpture Trail An easy 2km walk past 25-30 sculptures. From January 14, shelters will be built along the trail for visitors to interact with. Open 9-5 daily. All works for sale. Arabella Lane (off Mahurangi East Rd), RD 2, Warkworth.
Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens A 1km garden trail with more than 60 sculptures by NZ artists. Open 9-5 daily. 1481 Kaipara Coast Highway, Kaukapakapa.
Auckland Domain Sculpture Walk Download a map from www.aucklandmuseum.com
Rannoch Sculpture Forest Over 100 sculptures in a garden, 77 Almorah Rd, Epsom. See www.wallaceartstrust.org.nz or ph 302 5271.
Newbies 2010, works by recent Waitakere tertiary graduates. Corbans Arts Centre, 426 Great North Rd, Henderson, until Jan 23. Open daily 10am-4.30pm. See www.ceac.org.nz
Rowan Klevstul: Wet Colour, Depot Art Space, 28 Clarence St, Devonport, until Jan 15. Open 7 days, varying hours. More info www.depotartspace.co.nz
Call Waiting: A Celebration of the NEW Gallery 1995-2011, New Gallery, corner Wellesley and Lorne streets, Auckland central. Open daily 10am-5pm. See www.aucklandartgallery.com/whats-on
Bird Flies High, Nathan Homestead, 70 Hill Rd, Manurewa. Open Dec 10-24, Jan 5-23, 9am-5pm weekdays, 1pm-4pm weekends. Ph 267 0180.