Yuka O'Shannessy’s Tāmaki Makaurau
Public Record: 82 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn, artwork by Namika Nakai seen in the window.
Yuka O'Shannessy’s Guide to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
Yuka O'Shannessy is a Tokyo-born multidisciplinary creative visionary and owner of Public Record, a gallery and shop on Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s bustling Ponsonby Road dedicated to beautiful hand-crafted objects with a focus on ceramic artforms. Public Record was initiated by O'Shannessy following her study at Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau AUT, where she met many creatives she wanted to support, with special focus on artisanal craft.
For their first presentation at Aotearoa Art Fair, Public Record is presenting an ambitious programme across multiple sites including the exhibition of large-scale ceramic works by award-winning Japanese artist Namika Nakai and an installation at Silo 6, with HAU, an immersive live performance with music by renowned composer Eve de Castro-Robinson on the Friday evening. At the fair itself Public Record present works by several artists including Cindy Leong, Shiho Hayashi and Steven Junil Park 박준일.
Selection of images courtesy of Public Record
O'Shannessy embodies omotenashi – a Japanese word that goes beyond the art of hospitality to sincerely anticipate and fulfill a guest's needs – and is therefore a wonderful host to artists visiting Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa. We spoke to her to get some of these fantastic insights – arigatō Yuka!
☉ How do you find yourself and Public Record in Tāmaki Makaurau?
I moved to Tāmaki Makaurau to study fashion and English 20 years ago. I live and work here, and I love this city. Once you meet some wonderful locals, you realise how easy it is to connect with so many talented people. The cross-cultural diversity here allows us to be unique and creative — there’s so much potential in this city. Public Record runs a unique and vibrant programme of exhibitions and events and I hope I can offer a space where people can connect and learn, feel inspired in a quiet, beautiful setting.
☉ What are some of the places you bring guests?
My friend Kazu’s restaurant and bar, Pici – they have the best pasta and a great selection of wine. It's a casual setting, perfect for hanging out with friends. Another great bar is Martine. For a place to stay in town: a little away from the busy downtown area, I love The Convent. You can dine at the beautiful Ada, which has a stunning atmosphere. A night stroll through Ponsonby is also lovely, and walking back to your accommodation afterward is such a nice way to end the evening. Coffee Pen in Newton for a good breakfast. For entertaining international guests, I love taking them to Amano or day-trip to Waiheke Island.
☉ Can you highlight some favorite art spaces?
There are great spaces along K Rd including Michael Lett and their book shop section, Artspace, Anna Miles Gallery, the Keep and Coastal Signs... I also like to visit Te Uru Contemporary on the way to the West Coast, for example Piha or a walk to the waterfall in Karekare.
