Australian street stuntman and visual artist Chayne ('The Space Cowboy') Hultgren's augmented reality (AR) artwork promises to be a major drawcard at this year's Riversdale Arts 52nd Mixed Media Exhibition, to be held from 18th - 26th July in the Riversdale Community Centre.

The popular northern Southland exhibition is one of the highlights of the Southland arts calendar and draws mixed media artists from throughout New Zealand to show and sell around 500 pieces at the exhibition and in the gift shop.

Riversdale Arts 52nd Mixed Media Exhibition's guest artist The Space Cowboy. Photo: Supplied

The Space Cowboy is this year's exhibition guest artist, but he is better known for his daring street and freak-show performances, swallowing swords, juggling chainsaws and other extreme stunts, which have entertained crowds in over 40 countries and gained more than 20 million YouTube views. His extreme feats have also earned him 55-Guinness World records.

The Space Cowboy's move into visual art, while more recent has been no less dramatic, with his first exhibition held in his own Byron Bay gallery last December (2024) including the artist creating art while using a Tesla coil to pass over one million volts of electricity through his body.

His AR art, characterized by vibrant colors and dynamic brushwork, has been described as bold, vivid and immersive, and is aimed at inspiring audiences to push their boundaries.

Riversdale Arts administrator Lucy Leti said that while The Space Cowboy couldn't attend in person, they were privileged to unveil his unique AR artworks at this year's exhibition.

Waka with Celtic Dogs "The Voyage" by Mike Cameron of Whangarei. Photo: Supplied

"Looking at his pieces at face value, the artwork appears two dimensional- very vibrant, colourful paintings... while the quality & technique are unbelievable."

'Then viewing the artwork through an app on your phone or tablet, the paintings come to life, each in their own unique way, with the characters, words & layers moving & evolving.'

'The artwork is fun & spirited, with the innovative style capturing the viewer's attention by requiring them to stop & interact with each piece, to fully appreciate the techniques The Space Cowboy has used.'  

Other invited artists to this year's exhibition included the return of 51st Exhibition Guest Artist Linda Hannan, as well as Parksy Boy, Tasha Waterson, Natalie Salisbury, Gina Te Hira, Jackie Hancock, Vicki Hawkins, Jessie Bishell and Nicola Garlick.

Shell #52, constructed from Kahikatea, meranti plywood & cardboard, by Richard Neighbour of Ruranga. Photo: Supplied

Another regular highlight of the exhibition was the emerging artists' competition, where young Southland-resident artists, aged between 13 and 25 (as at the 18 July) vied for a top prize of $1000.

This year has seen the highest amount of entries the award has received, with the ten finalists' artworks put on display in the exhibition & the overall winner announced at the Opening Evening.

A series of workshops led by expert tutors, from Southland & Otago are held over the first weekend of the exhibition, the variety of workshops has something for everyone.

A Decoy Flocking workshop led by Corey Carston, creates customised, true to life decoys using old decoys which have lost their markings, a Flax Weaving workshop held by Sarah Geary educates attendees in the tikanga surrounding traditional Maori weaving & the techniques of the art.

'Spirited" a stainless steel sculpture by Nicholas Rumore of Metal Works of Wanaka. Photo: Supplied

Invercargill based Papa's Art Room will be hosting a Textured Floral Art workshop in a fun, relaxed class with all materials supplied.

Anna King's bespoke mid winter Christmas Tree workshop will host one morning session & one afternoon session, & Rachel Hirabayashi's Wire Work class shares the popular artists skill & knowledge in combining a variety of materials in the wire wrapping technique.

Children from the local schools & preschools display their artwork in the Mavor Room of the Riversdale Community Centre throughout the exhibition, this year's theme being 'Art Into the Future'.

The Riversdale Arts committee members host the school groups throughout the week, giving each participating school a tour of the exhibition & the opportunity to see their exhibits on display.

A gift shop, stocking a wide variety of art & craft items, sourced from throughout New Zealand, will be running during the exhibition, alongside food and drink from Lisa's Kitchen Cafe.

2025 Riversdale Arts Exhibition Programme

The 52nd annual Mixed Media Arts Exhibition opens at 7pm on Friday, Jul 18th with a gala evening in the Riversdale Community Centre, where guests can mix and mingle with invited and local artists and celebrate the presentation of the Emerging Artist award & Best Local Artist award.

Thereafter the exhibition will be open daily to the public from 11am to 4pm.

The exhibition closes at 4pm on Saturday 26th July.

CLICK HERE for more information.