A Place at the Kauri Table 2019, co produced by Helen Donnelly graphic artist, is a series of New Zealand migrant stories which visually link their pathways with global arts communities. The whanaungatanga or kinship connections spans time and place with a need for sharing core values and beliefs. The
shocking and unifying impact of the 15 March 2019 Christchurch terrorist attack on Muslim communities has reasserted New Zealand migrant artists right to
redefine their practices in Aotearoa. This interactive concept installation is
a mode that opens up dialogue and documents changes in thinking and acting when
resettling families in new communities. How does contemporary fine arts assist
in building cross cultural communities?
A Place at the Kauri Table 2019, allows for
insights on slow or radical changes that can occur through transcultural migration and participatory arts.
Seek and find one's place and voice in society, this
participatory feminist artist installation reflects on global diasporas into finding elements of social cohesion in New Zealand. The
collective work offers growth, sometimes alienation; alongside
incubation.
The augmented reality technology with indigenous Maori inspired Awhiowhio by Owen Mapp into a 3D sculptural model activated by AR and viewer app above the wooden table setting is designed and curated for Arte Laguna World to connect to audiences in the global citizen dialogue. The short film presents the works with migrant artist audio interviews.
Nga mihi nui from Aotearoa.