A breakout multidisciplinary artist drawing increasing attention in the Bay of Plenty’s contemporary art scene will feature at this weekend’s BOP Open Studios event. Sorren Groshinski, known for his bold artistic voice and rapidly evolving practice, is set to showcase new work as part of the annual art trail.

While Groshinski works across a range of mediums, it is his installation and assemblage pieces that are drawing the strongest response. This weekend he will unveil his latest installation, ClusterfuNk – a deeply personal, self-representational work exploring identity, cultural lineage, trauma and transformation.

Groshinski said ClusterfuNk represents “the clusterf*** of life – the chaos, trauma, challenges and generational influences that shape us”.

“It speaks to the messy, unavoidable journey we each undertake to find ourselves,” he said. “The piece doesn’t just sit in the pain; it celebrates the act of transmuting to the other side – getting through the trauma, learning the lessons, and emerging as a stronger, more evolved version of ourselves.”

Drawing on a richly layered heritage – Māori, Kiwi, Scandinavian, Celtic, Irish, Polish and German – Groshinski weaves a narrative that is both intimate and universal. At its heart, the installation references the Tree of Life, or Axis Mundi, symbolising interconnectedness, rootedness and the human desire to rise above inherited challenges.

“It represents generations reaching forward with hope, resilience, and a desire to rise beyond what came before,” he said.

With swift artistic growth and a raw, distinctive perspective, Groshinski is quickly becoming an artist to watch. The BOP Open Studios weekend offers the public a rare chance to encounter his work up close.

The BOP Open Studios art trail runs from November 21–23, featuring around 75 artists across 60 studios. The free public event spans from Waihī Beach to Te Puke, inviting visitors to explore creative spaces – from backyard sheds to fully equipped studios – and witness new works in progress.

Festival director Marc Anderson said the Starting Point Gallery at The Kollective on 17th Ave will run from November 17–23, displaying one work from each participating artist.

“Visitors can use the gallery to plan their trail route and even purchase artworks,” he said.

An interactive map of the trail is available at: gardenandartfestival.co.nz/bop-open-studios/trail-map/

More of Groshinski’s work can be viewed at: www.sorreng.com