Head along to CAMEO, a major new exhibition by leading contemporary Wellington artist Emily Hartley-Skudder, created in response to Palmerston North's much-loved Art Deco Ladies Rest building. Bringing together hyper-realistic paintings and immersive installations, the exhibition explores themes of feminism, intersectionality, cleanliness and control, with Hartley-Skudder's signature blend of humour and social commentary.

CAMEO is the inaugural exhibition of the annual $40,000 Fair Trust Art Prize. Awarded annually by the Eileen Fair Charitable Trust, the prize is among the most substantial of its kind in the country and aims to fuel bold artistic ambition by enabling a mid-career contemporary artist to produce a significant body of work for exhibition.

Visually captivating and provocative, CAMEO is an exhibition that celebrates a heritage-listed building while asking important questions about the everyday conveniences we take for granted.

Hartley-Skudder’s work has been exhibited widely throughout Aotearoa and around the world and is held in public and private collections.

Emily Hartley-Skudder: CAMEO is on every day, 10am - 5pm from Saturday 22 August - Sunday 4 July 2027

Alongside the exhibition, visitors can attend a free floor talk with Emily Hartley-Skudder and curator Sian van Dyk on Sunday 23 August at 11am.

Image caption: Piss Factory, 2026. Oil on linen on aluminium panel, carved wood frame with automotive finish.
Courtesy of the artist and Jhana Millers Gallery. 630 x 920 mm