Renee Paku, Te Kahureremoa Taumata, Gina Matchitt, Rongomaiaia Te Whaiti, Vanessa Wairata Edwards, Kezia Whakamoe, Tessa Russell, Jamie Berry, Lanae Cable, Tegan Hautapu, Kelly Jarvis, Emma Kitson.
I had a random idea cause I was tired, and this idea became real thanks to 11 other inspiring wāhine who had already shown me so much manaakitanga. All I can say is thank you, thank you for trusting me, thank you for supporting me and thank you for making a space for our community to come chill the f#$k out.
I organised this group exhibition of new works by 12 Wahine Toa. Toi Poneke Wellington during Matariki 2022.
‘Rest” as a concept had evolved from the Lockdown periods of COVID 19 & Covid Delta. Everyone had been forced to stop and stay in haumaru, a place where one must reflect. Rest, is a form of resistance for this group of wahine toa.
Read Rangimarie Sophie Jolley article on Stuff https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/arts/300615015/te-hkoi-toi-rest-as-resistance
Hā provided a space for the audience and artists to ‘rest’ together. Artworks covered mattresses and the space was filled with a soundscape and interactive light works to create a scenario of calmness within the busy centre of Wellington. During the exhibition, four wananga were held, these wānanga were to rangahau the concept of ‘rest’ during Matariki providing the opportunity to stop, rest and reflect and share.
Mum, how can I find Matariki? – Tessa Russell
Card, Laser cut
I’m most at ease when in the bosom of my whare tūpuna, so I wanted to create something that can provide me with a similar feeling in any space I enter. For Hā, my work hopefully signals the audience to their entering a space of which we hope they will feel comfortable enough to stay and rest for a time.
“It’s supposed to present a calming space to sit or lay underneath. So I’d love it if people dragged a mattress under it.”
TOI BY TESSA 