Pretty Brutal

Carmel van der Hoeven

Presale:Thursday 30th July (Details to be confirmed)
Opening: Friday 31 July
Exhibition shows:31 July - 12 August.

Acclaimed artist Carmel van der Hoeven returns to Turua Gallery with powerful new solo exhibition Pretty Brutal

Following a string of sold-out exhibitions and an ever-growing collector following, celebrated New Zealand artist Carmel van der Hoeven will unveil her highly anticipated new solo exhibition, Pretty Brutal,  from 31 July to 12 August 2026.

The collection marks Carmel's first floral-focused exhibition since 2023's Sweet Thing and features more than 25 new works spanning a variety of scales, from striking large-format pieces to intimate studies. As with her previous exhibitions, demand is expected to be high, with pre-sale opportunities available ahead of the official opening.

For Carmel, Pretty Brutal is a deeply personal exploration of transformation and the traces left by time.

"Pretty Brutal is an exploration of change and the marks it leaves behind. Through colour, movement and layered forms, the paintings draw on cycles found in nature and within ourselves to reflect growth, resilience and transformation. Time leaves marks on everything. Some are beautiful. Some are brutal. Most are both," says Carmel.

Carmel has become one of our most sought-after artists, consistently captivating collectors with her evolving practice and fearless creativity.

"Carmel has an extraordinary ability to keep pushing herself artistically. Every collection reveals new techniques, fresh perspectives and a willingness to experiment, while remaining unmistakably her own. She's not an artist who repeats herself – she's constantly evolving." 

We first discovered Carmel's work through a small feature in a home magazine before following her artistic journey on social media and inviting her to join the gallery. Since then, every solo exhibition has sold out, with many works finding homes on opening night or within the first weekend.

"The response to Carmel's work has been phenomenal," says Wallace. "Her 2022 exhibition Mortal Dreams, featuring 63 works created over the course of a year, sold out in just two hours after collectors queued from early morning. It's something we've rarely, if ever, seen before."

With her commission list now closed and works held in collections across New Zealand and internationally, Pretty Brutal offers a rare opportunity for collectors and admirers to acquire new pieces from one of the country's most compelling contemporary painters.

Opening night will be held on Friday, 31 July from 5pm at Turua Gallery, with the exhibition running until 12 August.

Details of the pre-sale event will be announced shortly.