New, colourful, and divalicious

Whether for you this is halfway through the year, or a Matariki refresh, or both, there are fresh things to see and do from now until spring. If the year began with Te Papa’s Vivienne Westwood jewellery, the big overseas lookbook has now turned to Auckland Museum’s hosting DIVA, the latest V&A touring exhibition to land in Aotearoa. DIVA is described as “a dazzling celebration of the artists who have captivated audiences around the world, driven change, and redefined culture”. It’s not just frocks of course, but costumes and image are key to how the diva has captivated the popular imagination. From Callas to Cher to Rihanna, this is an opportunity to appreciate the larger-than-life talent, style and personae. The exhibition comes with suitable merch and events, and its own soundtrack, and exudes glamour in all its senses, and runs until 19 October.

Also new in town, it’s button season, with Auckland’s Masterworks just opening the latest button biennale. Check out this year’s models as always in the catalogue on the Masterworks website, or visit the gallery before 9 August to admire them in their 3D glory.

Closing soon (28 July) is the latest offering at Opunake’s From out of the blue studio gallery, Mapping Colour, a textural exhibition of an exploration of plant dyes. Lizzy Leckie’s title explains her work, an array of colour and texture in naturally dyed yarns and weaving.

A couple of points of interest around the south. At Queenstown’s Te Atamira, Elemental is a joint exhibition which includes the work Rakiura artist Rowan Holt presented on at the CTANZ symposium in May, “textile artforms that reflect on our connection to the environment”. You can see this until 10 September.

Finally for now, Waitaki Museum looks at what lies beneath with Unmentionables: Uncovering our Undergarments. Until 16 November, visitors will have the opportunity to see the museum’s ‘rarely seen’ collection of vintage underwear – bloomers, petticoats, corsets, bras.