Two Collage your Xmas Cards events are coming up this week: Tomorrow, Tuesday, at Grey Lynn Library pop in anytime between 2 and 5pm. And on Thursday Studio One Toi Tū 238 Krd, pop in anytime between 5 and 8pm. Both events are kindly supported by Studio One Toi Tū and are free. Suitable for all ages. Make a unique and personalized card for your loved ones this Xmas from upcycled materials.
Artist Statment: The work of pioneering filmmaker Merata Mita is pivotal to a global movement of indigenous cinematography and marks a significant chapter in Aotearoa’s history. Mita was the first filmmaker to reflect a Māori identity on screen. She also contributed to mana wahine by discussing Māori women’s position in the arts in New Zealand. Her work has influenced indigenous filmmakers worldwide.
After viewing the documentary, “Merata, How Mum Decolonized The Screen,” I felt touched and inspired by her story and wanted to shine more light on her lifework and legacy.
This work is my tribute to and celebration of Mita. She is placed in the space between Papatūānuku, and Ranginui, surrounded by indigenous art from Aotearoa, the Pacific, and America, projecting her vision for indigenous filmography.
As I created this collage from hundreds of paper cuttings, I reflected on Merata as a Warrior, Activist, Feminist, Filmmaker, Mother, her courage, and her ahead-of-her-time vision.
Many thanks for the vital advice from Kathryn Graham and the kind support from Hepi Mita.
Thank you to everyone who made it to the Warrior Women exhibition opening. Thank you to my fellow artists for your inspiring creations, and a massive thanks to Sammy, The Upstairs Gallery’s director, and curator, for being the vision and the force behind this project.
The exhibition is on till Aug 21, and there is also a sale of fantastic artists’ merch in the gallery.
Upstairs Gallery, Lopdell House, Titirangi.
Gallery hours: Tues-Sun 10am to 4pm
I’m delighted to have been invited to join this group exhibition at the Upstairs Gallery, Lopdell House, Titirangi. As many of you know, I’m passionate about promoting and highlighting powerful and inspirational women. I feel blessed to be working with such an impressive lineup of talent!
Come and join us for this fantastic exhibition and celebration of Warrior Women!
WARRIOR WOMEN – OPENS 29 JULY 2022 – 6PM.
A collaboration with Manawaka Ao, A kick-arse women of colour network in Aotearoa. Manawaka Ao mission is to strengthen collaboration and authentic engagement of women across our ethnic communities of colour, and with Tangata Whenua with Mana.
We had 2 one-day collage workshops , in Manawaka Ao’s words: “As women of colour, holding space together, sharing how our whakapapa lines came to be here in Aotearoa. Shared histories and stories that cross over and connect and connect to the Whenua (land) here and far away. Sitting in the bodies of our ancestors and knowing that the impossible is possible. ”
I have partnered with Whau the People to celebrate World Collage Day with a community collage event.
Everyone is welcome to co-create a large collage piece, celebrating the Whau and its people.
Saturday 14th May 2022 at ALL GOODS, 99 Rosbank Road, Avondale (behind the library)
Pop in anytime between 11 am to 4 pm and leave your mark.
Free event, everyone is welcome, and all materials are provided.
See you there!
REDUCING WASTE, ENCOURAGING CREATIVITY, AND BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER.