About this Event
The Art of Conversation 4 — Gary $ilipa
The fifth and last conversation of the series features Gary $ilipa, a multidisciplinary artist with Samoan heritage based in Tāmaki Makaurau. He has a versatile art practice and is a committed advocate for the role of community arts in fostering wellbeing and connection.
Since 2010, Gary has developed a distinctive visual language that moves beyond his early roots in graffiti, a form he explored extensively from 1998. His studio-based practice now produces works that fluidly inhabit both public spaces and gallery environments.
In 2015, Gary founded The Good The Bad in Glen Innes, the first art gallery in Tāmaki. In 2026, the gallery expanded to a new location at 79 Queens Road, Panmure. In 2025, he also established Books & Pieces at 37 Queens Road, Panmure.
About The Art of Conversation
The Art of Conversation is a series of free events highlighting artists who share connections to East Auckland. Each invited artist will talk about their work and practice in their favourite local café, bar, or restaurant. These informal conversations aim to move away from the traditional format of artist talks while also supporting local businesses.
Attendance at the talks is free, but participants are encouraged to purchase a drink and/or something to eat upon arrival to support the chosen venue.
Curated by Giulia Pianelli, the fourth iteration of The Art of Conversation will take place over five weekends throughout November 2026 and will feature an exciting line-up of artists: Carla Ruka, Salome Tanuvasa, Lina Castro, Sahana Rahman, and Gary $ilipa.
This is a project funded by Arts Out East, supported by Te Tuhi and the Howick Local Board.
About Giulia Pianelli
Giulia is an art professional and curator committed to supporting socially and politically engaged practices. She sees her work as a way to amplify activist messages and foster cross-cultural exchange through contemporary art.
Originally from Italy, Giulia is currently based in Tāmaki Makaurau, where she works as Marketing Lead at The Arts House Trust. She previously held positions at Te Tuhi and at other galleries and organisations across Aotearoa and Europe. She is also developing an independent curatorial practice, with recent projects including Le Vu and Rebekah Sohn: Lines We Carry, Franklin Arts Centre (2026) and noa hāmana: Haerenga, Studio One Toi Tū (2026).
Giulia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts Management from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, a Master's degree in Global Marketing from the University of Milan, and a diploma in Australian Aboriginal Art History from Curtin University (Perth).
She is incredibly excited to be curating the fourth edition of The Art of Conversation and to present such an amazing line-up of artists. Carla, Salome, Lina, Sahana, and Gary all come from different backgrounds and engage with distinct artistic practices, reflecting the vibrant diversity that makes the East Auckland community so unique.
Event venue & nearby stays
Te Tuhi, 21 William Roberts Road, Auckland, New Zealand
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.