Sara Hughes's 'Colour Memories' exhibition marks introspective turn at Gow Langsford
Sara Hughes's exhibition, 'Colour Memories,' at Gow Langsford in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, represents a significant shift in her artistic path. Instead of her usual large-scale public installations, she's delving into themes of memory and influence. This show, developed over several years and coinciding with a milestone birthday, showcases the impact of women artists like Gretchen Albrecht and Bridget Riley on her work. One standout piece is 'Desert Rd (thinking of RG),' an acrylic on canvas measuring 102 x 89 cm, where Hughes uses color to evoke personal memories rather than directly referencing these artists. Highlighted in Art Collector issue #115 for January–March 2026, the exhibition features photography by Sam Hartnett, marking a new introspective chapter in her two-decade career.
Key facts
- Sara Hughes's exhibition 'Colour Memories' is at Gow Langsford in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland
- The show marks a shift from large-scale site-responsive projects to contemplative, research-driven work
- It engages with women artists including Gretchen Albrecht, Mina Arndt, Jacqueline Fahey, Rosalie Gascoigne, Frances Hodgkins, Agnes Martin, Séraphine Pick, and Bridget Riley
- Hughes uses colour to summon memories rather than directly quote other artists
- One featured work is 'Desert Rd (thinking of RG)', 102 x 89cm acrylic on canvas
- The exhibition was developed over several years and coincides with a milestone birthday
- It was first published in Art Collector issue #115 (January–March 2026)
- Photography for the exhibition is by Sam Hartnett
Entities
Artists
- Sara Hughes
- Gretchen Albrecht
- Mina Arndt
- Jacqueline Fahey
- Rosalie Gascoigne
- Frances Hodgkins
- Agnes Martin
- Séraphine Pick
- Bridget Riley
- Sam Hartnett
- Dina Jezdić
Institutions
- Gow Langsford
- Art Collector
Locations
- Tāmaki Makaurau
- Auckland
- New Zealand