Black Asterix

I really love this gallery. I tend to lose concentration quickly in places like this pretty quickly, but this one is the perfect size to hold my interest. Big enough so you really get a feel for the exhibition, but small enough that you can be in and out in twenty minutes.
I kind of just wish the girl working in there had explained the exhibition to me or even just asked if I knew what I was looking at or something. I was the only person in the gallery at the time, but all she said was, «there’s more at the back and upstairs.» So I was left to figure it out on my own by reading the blurb about the show and artist on the walls.
I didn’t love the exhibition that was showing when I went in there, so I’d really like to go back in a few weeks when there’s a different one on, but the space itself I really love. I like the idea of exploring when I go in to an art gallery, going into different rooms and nooks and crannies and finding new things to look at and that’s exactly what this place is about.

Black Asterix is another example of another small Ponsonby dwelling converted into a business space, clearly evident by the old fireplace structures left standing. And it’s another example of Ponsonby’s swanky art galleries.
It’s nice to see plenty of art in one space, but not when it’s crammed in and repetitive works from one or two artists. The smaller floor level rooms don’t have enough variety, nor are you sure which areas are «galleries» or for staff. I much more prefer the second level with works from Hannah Kidd and Chris Moore. The staff was friendly but only after his phone call and didn’t offer any information on the works.
Black Asterix tries, but doesn’t quite achieve the opulence of a Ponsonby art gallery, though it definitely has the attitude required.