"a (im) possible relevance" : The Collection of Mal and Lizzie Brow

6:00PM 3 Abbey Street, Newton, Auckland

A two-day Contemporary Art auction.
22-23 October 2025.

Art+Object is pleased to present our latest catalogue, "a (im) possible relevance" : The Collection of Mal and Lizzie Brow.

Well known around the country for their deep support of contemporary artists and the visual arts, Mal will be familiar to many from his time owning and operating the non-profit gallery 30 Upstairs in Courtenay Place, Wellington. 30 Upstairs was a revolutionary gallery (and residency) that provided an invaluable space, commission-free, for new and emerging artists to exhibit and sell their work.

Mal and Lizzie's own personal collection can be characterised by a deep and abiding commitment to supporting many of Australasia’s most exciting and risk-taking contemporary artists including: Hany Armanious, Andrew Beck, Séraphine Pick, Francis Upritchard, Tony Fomison, Bill Hammond, Peter Peryer, Billy Apple, Liz Maw, Dan Arps, Michael Parekōwhai, et al., Anoushka Akel, Don Driver, Gavin Hipkins, John Nixon, Kushana Bush, and many more.

The auction will be held over two consecutive evenings, with evening one focusing on paintings and sculpture by well-established artists in the collection, and evening two seeing us present photographs, editioned works, and work by more emerging artists from the collection. Evening one is a live auction conducted at the gallery and evening two is an online auction, closing at 6:00pm.

Please join us to preview the catalogue on Wednesday, 15 October, 5pm–7pm | 3 Abbey Street, Newton, Auckland 1010. We will be serving fine wines, organically produced by our partners, Seresin Estate, as well as champagne by Taittinger, including Scapegrace drinks. The artworks will then be on view at Art+Object every day until the auctions.

LIVE AUCTION: Lots 1–90
Wednesday 22 October at 6pm live in our Newton saleroom
*for those unable to attend the auction, online bidding is available here, or you can place regular absentee or phone bids using the forms below.

ONLINE ONLY AUCTION: Lots 91–196
closing on Thursday 23 October from 6pm
*bid online here, or download our personalised app available on App Store or Google Play

As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about the artworks within the catalogue or the auction.

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IMPORTANT NOTES: The BUYER’S PREMIUM for this auction is 19% of the hammer price plus GST on the buyer’s premium (total of 21.85% of the hammer price). This is to be paid on top of any successful bid. The buyer must pay the full amount due not later than 5 working days after the auction date, unless arranged with us.

LOT CONDITIONS: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition (some items may have a very brief description of the fault or may be described with "AF", which means “as found”). The estimates always reflect the condition of a lot. All property is sold “as is” without warranty of any kind by art+object. Bidders who are unable to inspect the items in person are welcome to request additional information at: info@artandobject.co.nz or 093544646.

LOT MEASUREMENTS: The measurements provided are of the artworks, not of the frames. You’re welcome to request frame measurements and images by contacting us as above.

BIDS UNDER RESERVE & HIGHEST SUBJECT BIDS: When the highest bid is below the vendor's reserve, this work is sold as “subject to vendor's approval” (this will be announced by the auctioneer during a live auction). This signifies that the highest bidder will be the purchaser at the bid price if the vendor accepts this price. If this highest bid is accepted, then the purchaser has entered a contract to purchase the item at the bid price plus any relevant buyer’s premium. As we are not yet able to mark subject bids online, any subject bids will be confirmed by email soon after the auction.

FREIGHT: Packing and courier options are available at buyer’s risk and expense. We’ll be in touch after the auction to arrange.
*Important Notices for international bidders:
- An export license or certificate is required for any item over 50 years old. We can assist with this process after the auction.
- Any shipping quote provided doesn’t include customs duty, taxes and government charges in the receiving country.

The link to our full CONDITIONS OF SALE is here or it can be found on the app menu. It is assumed that all bidders at auction have read and agreed to these conditions. Art+Object directors and staff are available to clarify any questions you may have: info@artandobject.co.nz or 093544646.