High Seas, Ahoy!

Auckland's newest popular culture bookstore/gallery space has arrived in the form of 'The High Seas'.

Foundered by Nigel Wright and Sophie Oiseau, here's their description of the space:

"The High Seas is a space in Auckland, which is comprised of a gallery / bookshop / record store and music venue.

While we are open to a broad range of contemporary art, our focus is in showcasing local comic, illustration and design artists producing material that is outside the mainstream forms of these practices. Providing a bookshop furthers this focus by stocking a selection of comics, graphic novels, art books and zines from local and international artists. Our bookshop also welcomes contributions.

Alongside the visual art, we stock a wide range of innovative and experimental audio, mostly from New Zealand practitioners.We work closely with the Audio Foundation and stock a range of music that until now has rarely been available in stores. The High Seas is also a space for musicians, sound artists and film makers to perform their work."

It had it's grand opening last Friday featuring the exhibition 'Draw III'.

The Draw exhibition series involves 'artists who use drawing as an idea gathering tool, an exploration of technique and narrative and as a medium in itself'. Featured artists include: Chris Cudby, Sophie Watson, Steve Fowke, Emily Cater, AAron Cole, Aleksandra Petrovic and Nikolai Zhivago Clarke. I recommend checking it out; Sophie Watson's dream-like watercolours are particularly captivating. The exhibition runs till the 30th of August.

Above: artwork from 'Draw III'.

They currently stock a great range of small-press comics and zines, including comics and graphic novels by Jason, Tony Millionaire, Michael Kupperman, David Shrigley, Tom Gauld, Dame Darcy, Gary Panter, Leah Hayes, David B., Chris Ware, Charles Burns, Ken Kagami, Joann Sfar, Tove Jannson and many more. There's also some local work available like 'Radio as Paper' and even some hard-to-find hardcover copies of Chris Slane's 'Maui' Graphic novel.

So if you're in Auckland, go check it out. The store is located at: 1/12-14 Beresford Square, just of K Road.

For store hours and more information visit their website and blog. You can also join their Facebook page for updates.

Sophie Oiseau also has a great blog: 'Confetti Yeti', where you can check out her artwork and other creative ventures.

-AK!