Where Are You From?

A Celebration of Cultural Diversity in Aotearoa at the Upstairs Gallery, Lopdell House from Saturday 29 March 10AM to Sunday 30 March 4PM as part of the World of Cultures Festival.

I’m excited to share my exhibition Where Are You From?, at the Upstairs Gallery, Lopdell House. This series of large-scale oil portraits celebrates Aucklanders from a rich tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of people who call this place home.

Through bold colours and layered textures, these works challenge narrow ideas of what it means to be a New Zealander and invite us to see Tamaki Makaurau through a lens of identity, inclusivity, and shared humanity.

The exhibition will also include a collage workshop where participants can create their own contributions to the conversation.

A family-friendly workshop, open to all ages and skill levels, hands-on session, on Sat 29 March from 12 to 2pm.

No booking is needed and all materials are provided.

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Collage Your Xmas Cards 2024

What an incredible December it’s been! For the third year running, my Collage Your Xmas Cards pop-up series brought together over 300 participants across seven vibrant events in Auckland. Together, we created over 500 of the most heartfelt, unique, and artistic Christmas cards you’ll ever see!

The energy was palpable as tables filled with families, groups of friends, and creatives chatting, sharing ideas, and inspiring one another. The events were a beautiful reminder of the magic that happens when diverse cultures, ages, and faiths come together in a shared space.

A grandmother returned for her third year, this time with three generations of her family crafting cards for neighbours, friends, and family.

From kids picking up scissors for the first time to grandparents collaging alongside their grandchildren, the events truly celebrated all generations.

These events wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors: Creative Communities Scheme Auckland, Orakei Local Board and the Lopdell House Trust.

Thank you to our hosts: Studio One Toi Tu, Leys Institute Little Library, Lopdell House, Grey Lynn Library, The Community of St.Luke, St Heliers Community Centre and the Remuera Library.

And thank you to everyone who joined us and ended up with sticky fingers!

Here is a short video showcasing the highlights of the series—the smiles, the stories, and the beautiful cards created.

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Collage Your Xmas Cards Event Series

Join us for a series of creative workshops turning upcycled materials into unique, personal greeting cards. These sessions are free, family-friendly, and open to all ages. Drop in anytime during the scheduled times and let your creativity flow.

What’s Happening?

  • Make as many cards as you like
  • All materials provided
  • Open to everyone—families, kids, and individuals

Dates and Locations:

The Community of St Luke
130 Remuera Rd
Saturday 30 November, 10 am – 1 pm

St Heliers Community Centre
100 Saint Heliers Bay Rd
Tuesday 3 December, 2 – 5 pm

Lopdell Twilight Market
418 Titirangi Road, Titirangi
Friday 6 December, 5 – 9 pm

Studio One — Toi Tū Makers Market
1 Ponsonby Rd
Saturday 7 December, 10 am – 2 pm

Leys Institute Library
14 Jervois Rd
Wednesday 11 December, 2 – 5 pm

Remuera Library (temporarily at Somervell Church, 497 Remuera Rd)
Friday 13 December, 10 am – 1 pm

Grey Lynn Library Centennial Celebrations
474 Great North Road
Saturday 14 December, 10 am – 1 pm

Celebrate the holiday season with handmade, sustainable crafts that bring creativity and joy to your gift-giving.

This series is proudly supported by Creative Communities Scheme Auckland, Orakei Local Board, and Lopdell House Trust.

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Yaffa Painting featured on Fringe Magazine

Thank you to Fringe for featuring my painting Yaffa and sharing its story of hope, unity, and resilience! This piece celebrates the powerful bond between Nawal Arafat and Rachel Hagigi—two justice activists, one Palestinian and one Israeli, showing us that shared humanity can shine through even the deepest divides.

I’m so grateful for the amazing support I continue to receive from my local community. Your encouragement keeps me inspired to create work that challenges divisive narratives, sparks important conversations and brings us closer together.

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Popup Collage at Art Late on Krd

This Thursday, as part of Art Late !! Expressive Collage Pop-Up – FREE EVENT

Enjoy a playful journey into self-expression, following your intuition and choosing images, colours, and textures that reflect your unique vibe.

With techniques like tearing, layering, and arranging, this workshop celebrates creative surprises and happy accidents.

Open to all ages, this pop-up workshop is about unleashing creativity and having fun. No art experience is needed; just bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure!

Drop into Cocos Cantina anytime between 5 and 8pm.

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Collage Your Xmas Cards Succesful Grant

I am excited to announce that Creative Communities Auckland has approved my grant application for the Collage Your Xmas Cards event series! This will be the third year running this series in Auckland, offering a creative space for the community to come together and explore the art of collage.

A big thank you to Studio One Toi Tū and Auckland Libraries for their ongoing support. I look forward to sharing more details soon—stay tuned!

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Where Are You From? Showing at the Refinery Artspace, Nelson

EXHIBITION

Where Are You From?

Portraits of New Zealanders by Naomi Azoulay

From Monday, 15 July to Saturday 10 August 2024

Exhibition opening: Mon 15 July 2024,  5:30-7:00 pm

Location: Gallery 3, Refinery ArtSpace. 114, Hardy Street, Nelson.

When people of ethnic backgrounds are asked, “Where are you from?” not only does this question imply a lack of belonging, but it is also laden with assumptions. One of these assumptions is that there is a simple answer to the question, that they are from one specific place or background.

In reality, people’s backgrounds are complex and layered. Within this collection, each portrait offers a nuanced depiction, showcasing individuality while celebrating agency, strength, and beauty.

Immerse yourself in a vibrant and captivating collection of representational portraits featuring individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds in Aotearoa at the Refinery ArtSpace, 114 Hardy Street, Nelson, from Monday, July 15, for a month.

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Collage Connect 24

I’m thrilled to be part of COLLAGE CONNECT 24- an exciting international online programme celebrating collage art.
Join us this World Collage Day, 11 May 2024, for Collage Connect, an online event celebrating the art of collage in all its forms.
It will feature practical lessons and conversations with collage artists.
The event is hosted at jackravi.com and is underwritten by The Kanyer Art Collection.
Learn and be inspired by some of the finest collage artists today.


Included in CC24:
12 Videos
8+ Hours of content
7 Video lessons
5 Video interviews
Lifetime access
Get your tickets at https://www.jackravi.com/collage-connect-24-event


Collage Connect 2024 Lineup:
Elyse’ Jokinen
Freya Gowrley
Hope Amico
Jack Ravi
Jennifer Penick
Laurie Kanyer
Lisa Goddard
Marcus Dawson
Naomi Azoulay
Nancey B. Price
Sarah Z Short
Teresa Currea
.

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Pride Collage

 

Thank you to everyone who came along to our Pride collage session yesterday at Lopdell House. This event was part of the PrideFest Out West, thanks to support from

Lopdell Trust and the Waitākere Ranges Local Board.

I will be back at Lodell for a 1-day Intuitive Collage workshop on Sunday, 10 March; more details soon.

 

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Collage for Pride Event

COLLAGE FOR PRIDE
Sunday 11 February, 11am to 3pm
In the Seminar Room, Level 1, Lopdell House
FREE EVENT
Get into the festive spirit and create one-of-a-kind Pride greeting cards! Join Waitākere artist Naomi Azoulay for this free activity, where you’ll use old books and magazines to craft groovy collages on cardboard.
There are no limits – make as many cards as you like! We’ll provide all the materials you need.
Don’t miss this chance to unleash your creativity and spread Pride Festival cheer with handmade cards – and just in time for Valentine’s Day!
All ages and abilities are welcome. The Seminar Room is accessible by lift.
This free event is part of PrideFest Out West and is made possible with support from Lopdell Trust and Waitākere Ranges Local Board.
Check out the Lopdell website for more info, and follow Pride Fest Out West for the full programme of fun and festive events in Waitākere and the Whau!
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