Wellington Welcomes New Gallery with Community-Driven Exhibition

A new chapter in Wellington’s artistic landscape began with the unveiling of Te Huarewa Toi, a gallery space at Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, the Wellington Central Library. The gallery reopened its doors over the weekend after a seven-year closure, featuring the inaugural exhibition, Rau Whārangi – Leaves of Pōneke. This innovative project, led by artist and science communicator Dr. Gabby O’Connor, showcases the collaborative efforts of over 1,000 Wellingtonians who contributed to the exhibition.

Dr. O’Connor’s initiative invites participants to reflect on the ecological history of Wellington. Through a series of community art-making workshops held prior to the reopening, residents of all ages engaged with the theme. The workshops not only fostered a creative connection to the library but also encouraged participants to learn about the region’s rich natural heritage.

As Dr. O’Connor explained, “A few things surprised me when I began uncovering the ecological history of the site. I learned that Aotearoa was once 80% covered in forests, and that the dense coastal forest met the sea in Wellington. It’s unsettling to think that all the trees and plants were removed from the hills and suburbs of the city, with only a few remnants left in certain areas.”

The collaborative nature of the exhibition differentiates it from traditional solo artist showcases. Dr. O’Connor noted that the community workshops created an environment of joy, where participants could celebrate their creativity while learning about te taiao—the natural world. “We are squishing 1,000 creatives into an artwork. Together we can accomplish a lot, and it is important to celebrate that,” she added.

Working closely with mana whenua and scientists played a crucial role in the project’s development. Dr. O’Connor, who grew up in Australia, acknowledged her lack of expertise in local flora. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing indigenous knowledge in shaping the exhibition’s content. “It was vital that the decision-making about what plants and stories to include was driven by experts from the local community,” she stated.

Inclusivity was also a core principle during the workshops. Dr. O’Connor aimed to dismantle barriers that often hinder participation in the arts. “Many people believe they are either good or bad at art from a young age,” she explained. “Through this project, I want everyone to find joy in the problem-solving and innovation that art-making can offer, without the pressure of needing to create something realistic.”

The exhibition features a striking collage that spans two walls, complemented by a digital slideshow that showcases each participant’s artwork. Dr. O’Connor hopes that visitors will feel a sense of pride and excitement as they recognize their contributions. “I think people will be surprised by the volume of contributions and the innovation and variety of responses,” she remarked. “It will be like a game of eye-spy trying to both remember and find what participants made.”

In a light-hearted moment, Dr. O’Connor shared a fun fact about herself: she once attempted to join the circus at age 18, an ambition that ultimately led her to art school instead. “I didn’t succeed, which is a relief, as I wouldn’t be here now,” she said with a smile.

Rau Whārangi – Leaves of Pōneke will be on display until June 14, 2024, offering Wellingtonians a chance to explore and celebrate their city’s ecological history through a vibrant community lens. This exhibition not only highlights the collective creativity of the city but also reinforces the importance of understanding and caring for the environment.