Personal instinct drives Richard and Elisa Boyd-Dunlop’s approach to curating their Hawke’s Bay gallery.
Elisa and Richard Boyd-Dunlop in front of Suspended Half Dizzy by Cristina Popovici (1800 × 2000mm) at their Napier gallery.
Boyd-Dunlop Gallery has never followed the conventional gallery model. Set across three interconnected spaces on Napier South’s Hastings Street, it is colourful, constantly evolving and deliberately eclectic — a reflection of owners Richard and Elisa Boyd-Dunlop’s belief that art should be accessible, engaging and personal.
Richard, who moved from Auckland to Hawke’s Bay in 2011 after more than 30 years as a full-time artist, says the region transformed his creative practice. “I felt freed up to be more creative. There’s more space to breathe here.” The Bay’s light, coastline and landscape continue to influence both his own work and the gallery.
For Elisa, the connection is lifelong. Having grown up in Hawke’s Bay before travelling extensively, she returned to be closer to family. “I love living near the sea, the older architecture and the character of Napier. We also have incredible sunshine, which changes everything.” The gallery itself began almost by chance. Richard was running a fashion boutique when the neighbouring tenancy became available. He opened a temporary exhibition space, initially showing his own work before inviting other artists to exhibit.
“What became Boyd-Dunlop Gallery was really an experiment,” says Elisa. “People were eager to support it, and visiting collectors from around New Zealand started dropping in whenever they were in Hawke’s Bay. That's when we realised it had a future.”
Today, the gallery has become a destination for collectors, artists and visitors alike. Its point of difference lies in its willingness to evolve. Exhibitions regularly transform the three gallery spaces, creating fresh conversations between paintings, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media. “We're always trying new things,” Richard says.“We’re not afraid of colour or showing bold work. People find it invigorating.” That instinct also shapes the artists they represent. Rather than following a strict curatorial brief, Richard and Elisa look for work that creates an immediate connection.
“We have to like it ourselves,” says Elisa. “The art needs an X factor — a unique style or story — and we want to work with people we genuinely enjoy collaborating with.” Many of those relationships have lasted for years. Among the first was hyper-realist painter Mark Cross, whose solo exhibition launched the gallery’s exhibition programme and whose early support even helped fund the gallery’s original lighting.
Beyond exhibitions, community remains central to the gallery’s identity. Boyd-Dunlop Gallery has hosted more than 100 exhibitions and regularly partners on local initiatives, including an exhibition of artworks created on pizza boxes that raised funds for Nourished for Nil — the local, non-profit organisation that redistributes excess food from businesses.
The couple believe Hawke’s Bay continues to attract creatives because of its light, architecture, landscape and affordability. “It’s easier for artists to live and make work here,” Richard says. Their advice to new collectors is refreshingly simple. “Usually the first artwork that catches your eye is the right one," says Elisa. “Don’t be afraid to make bold choices, and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. If you can’t stop thinking about a piece after you’ve left the gallery, that’s a very good sign.”
ON OUR RADAR...
John Boyd-Dunlop. We just bought another painting for home. We love his naive style and use of colour. It’s work that keeps you thinking. He is also Richard’s father.
Tanja McMillan. We are currently coveting one of her paintings from Bergman Gallery. Tanja has been at the forefront of counter culture for many years, and we’ve been following her career since her early work with Illicit and Misery. She has a very distinctive and recognisable style.
Hundertwasser Arts Centre. Richard is a huge fan of the Austrian visual artist and architect, and thinks the arts centre in Whangarei is a great asset for the city and the country.
Dopamine decor. Ditch the beige and bland, says Elisa. “Go for bold and spark a sense of joy.”
Maximalism. A self-confessed maximalist, Richard is inspired by the design philosophy’s celebration of abundance, sensory richness and bold expression. Do what gives you joy is our mantra. Keep pushing and don’t give up.
Working as a concept artist is Richard’s dream job. “I’m currently working for construction companies in Taiwan on 3D sculpture, wall art and large scale works for commercial spaces. I love it.”
