On our last day in New Plymouth we met with Govett-Brewster Art Gallery staff and SCANZ (Solar Circuit Aotearoa New Zealand) artists. SCANZ involves a residency, exhibition and symposium for artists working with new media and technology.
James gave a brief talk about his work to Gallery staff and artists and then we had lunch. Afterwards Gallery Director Rhana Devenport gave a tour of the current exhibitions.Then we set off for the long drive back to Wellington for a rest day on Waitangi Day.On Saturday morning we flew to Dunedin visited the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. Apart from seeing the Rita Angus exhibition again, I really enjoyed the Hail Falls Noisily on Bamboo Leaves*: Japanese Prints from the Dunedin Public Art Gallery Collection. There are some really beautiful prints and I recommend checking it out if you find yourself in Dunedin before 12 April. In the afternoon we drove out to Portobello on the Otago Peninsula to where we are staying just past the settlement at Te Kaika Homestead. It’s a beautiful area and the hot hazy day yesterday produced some strange light, as you can see in the images of Otakou Marae.
Today we are driving to Christchurch. We will be stopping at Fleurs restaurant in Moeraki for lunch (it’s James’ Birthday today) and then heading on to Christchurch for the night.My next post will cover a bit more about James’ practice and work, more soon….
William, glad to se that you are following the research trip and the development of the project.
James has gone home now. I am sure he will pick up the email you sent.
Kia ora Pamela and James
It’s nice to see another Indigenous person from Southern California exploring the Fish and Waka. I sent my NZ number to james email in the states. Could you have him call me when your back in Wellington. Thanks
Hi Pamela, yes I read that later in the day on the 9th too.
Late that afternoon the sun was a beautiful orange ball in the sky. We talked about why and figured that it may have been the fires – James’ has unfortunately had the same experience with this as he lost his house in late 2007 in the fires in California.
I read in the paper today that the haze and strange light was probably from the big bush fires over in Victoria. Envious of your road trip!