About

Bergman Gallery is directed by Ben Bergman, an art dealer with over 25 years’ experience delivering exhibitions and projects across the Pacific, the United States and Europe. The gallery evolved from BCA Gallery (2001–2016) and was established in its current form in Rarotonga, Cook Islands in 2016. From 2022 to 2026, it also operated a project space in Auckland, New Zealand.

 

The programme has been shaped by long-standing relationships with artists from across the Pacific, while extending into wider international contexts. Alongside a considered exhibition schedule, Bergman Gallery participates in selected art fairs and runs an invitational artist-in-residence programme.

 

Bergman Gallery presents its annual exhibition program in association with the following sponsors.
Wine courtesy of The Bond Liquor Store & Foley Wines.

 

 

 

 

  • Meet the Team

    Ben Bergman, Director

    Ben Bergman was raised and educated in Rarotonga before undertaking study at the University of Auckland, graduating in 1992.

     

    Returning to Rarotonga in 1994, he joined his parents Black Pearl jewellery company and became a Director in 1999. In 2001, he established BCA Gallery, to develop Pacifc contemporary art exhibition and showcase it at a domestic and international level. Over its 15 year lifespan, BCA Gallery deliverd 130 projects, including exhibitions in New York & Auckland. 

     

    In 2016, he established Bergman Gallery in Rarotonga, to further develop Modern Pacific Art exhibition. Between 2022-26, Bergman Gallery operated a  second gallery space, in Auckland, New Zealand. 

     

    Ben Bergman is a former member of the Cook Islands Tourism Board, The Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council and the Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce. 

     

     

    Meet the Team, Ben Bergman, Director

  • Meet the Team

    Benny Chan, Gallery Manager

    Benny Chan is a Taiwanese-New Zealander based in Rarotonga. He graduated with Bachelor of Visual Arts from the University of Auckland in 2009 and previously worked in Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki and Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery. He also worked for Creative New Zealand on the New Zealand Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2019. Benny previously performed in Lee Mingwei’s artwork The Mending Project, Venice Biennale 2017, and was part of the Bergman Gallery team to deliver Mahiriki Tangaroa’s site-specific installation Kaveinga – Angels of the Ocean, Personal Structures, Venice, Italy 2022. Benny was the Gallery Manager for Bergman Gallery in Auckland between 2022 and 2026, and curated many exhibitions, including 'Te Vaerua O Te Va'ine, Our Mother's Hands', and 'A Place to Call Home: Contemporary New Zealand Asian Art'.

    Meet the Team, Benny Chan, Gallery Manager