Description:

Te Atamira is a multi-purpose arts and cultural space, which opened in the heart of the Whakatipu region in 2022. Te Whare Pora is an exhibition of extraordinary kākahu (cloaks) made by internationally recognised Māori weaver Roka Hurihia Ngarimu-Cameron MNZM, along with hand-made taonga puoro (musical instruments) from Roka’s collection. It is curated by Dr Awhina Tamarapa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Ruanui, who is formerly Curator Māori at Te Papa. She is now a Postdoctoral Research Fellow based at the Stout Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington.

Te Atamira engaged our studio to design the exhibition. The brief was to show the kākahu and taonga puoru as living objects, for a relationship to be established between them, for a space to be included to observe the practice of weaving acknowledging the relationship of master weaver and student. The gallery was to shift outside its traditional white cube space and provide an immersive experience for the visitor.

Using 3.7m drops of 3m wide sheer linen fabric we created faceted curves around the entire gallery space which allowed a beautiful filtered light to come through giving the room its own 'cloak'.

We designed recycled kahikatea and rimu stands for the kākahu in acknowledgement of Roka's name. The kākahu were tucked in and out of the openings in the faceted fabric with Roka's work surrounding her students. From the entry all the kākahu are seen together, when closer as curated groups, and when next to them as individuals.

The dedicated space for the practice of weaving is delineated by a beautiful Aotearoa wool rug, and hand carved kahikatea furniture. It is a destination within the space and presence acknowledges the act of weaving as tango as much as the object itself.

We designed a pocket shelf and a long plinth which were finished in clay plaster for the largest of the taonga puoru. These are mounted to hover off the clay, casting shadow. Smaller taonga are mounted on local rock, again hovering. The linen fabric drops are unweighted and subtly move as people walk by. An animated projection features on one of the fabric drops, depicted rock art drawings discovered locally in the takiwā of Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka of which Roka has affiliation.

During the design period we were supported by Ngai Tahu Kaumatua Darren Rewi and Kerry Cameron.

The support of Roka's whanau and wider iwi from both islands reflect the high regard in which Roka and her work are held, as well as her contribution to the teaching of traditional and contemporary weaving techniques.

This exhibition design was enabled by the generosity of our friends in the design industry. Treology donated the furniture for the duration of the show, Sto donated the plaster work and CreaturePost created the rock art animation all pro bono. It was evident by the number of people who were prepared to support this exhibition just how much respect there is for Roka Hurihia Kgarimu Cameron MNZM - a hugely influential master weaver.