Sponsored: Unveiling a journey of identity, creativity, and connection

Founded by seasoned business owners Sue and Erin Roughton, Protean Art Gallery unveiled its new space to the public early in the new year. Now located on the First Floor at 181 Bridge Street, the move marks a significant milestone in the gallery’s journey. Sue says the decision to relocate from Tahunanui and establish a new gallery space in the Nelson CBD stemmed from a dual purpose. Driven by the planned development of their old site, the couple aimed for a smaller, more functional space that would be more sustainable and reduce the carbon footprint of the business. The move also strategically positioned the gallery as part of the esteemed Nelson Arts Trail, enriching its accessibility and exposure.

The gallery serves as a platform not only for the couple’s creations but also for a curated selection of New Zealand-made artworks. Sue’s artwork is complemented by Erin’s captivating photography, creating a harmonious blend of visual narratives. Maintaining a space where the couple produce their work while also showcasing the talents of selected artists, their collection is a dynamic fusion of recommended and approached artists, ensuring diversity and constant evolution.

Central to the principles of Protean Art Gallery is Sue’s journey of self-discovery, inspired by her birth story and late-life revelation of her mixed Middle Eastern and Celtic heritage. Her artwork delves into the complexities of identity, cultural amalgamation, and the poignant adoption experience. Sue’s mixed media pieces resonate with the joy and confusion of embracing newfound cultures intertwined with the fractured and ever-evolving nature of her own identity. Her work also explores the triad of loss that encompasses the adoption experience for the birth mother, adoptive mother and birth child. “This journey sits behind my whole ethos for art, creating work that expresses the complexities of life and trying to make sense of it all. It is an interesting way to explore the mediums,” says Sue.

Art is not just a passion for the couple but a lifelong dedication, as Sue’s creativeness traces back to her childhood and a lifelong involvement in theatre, while Erin’s love of photography revolves around capturing the essence of New Zealand’s natural splendour. This passion led them to curate the boutique gallery that promotes talented New Zealand artists and offers visitors an intimate experience with original and diverse artworks. “We believe it is important to support our New Zealand creators”, says Sue. “It is great to get behind these small businesses and support them as much as possible.” At Protean Art Gallery, art isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about storytelling, self-discovery, and fostering connections. As Sue aptly says, “Art helps me make sense of the world.”

Protean Art Gallery
First Floor at 181 Bridge Street
proteanart.co.nz