Taku toi kahurangi - My Precious Jewel, Fiona Pardington

As part of the Auckland Festival of Photography 2019 a stunning collection of photographic works and a site specific installation by celebrated New Zealand artist Fiona Pardington MNZM, entitled Taku toi kahurangi / My Precious Jewel will be on display in the Victorian ballroom at historic Alberton for the month of June.

Museums, archives, and historic places are both repositories of stories and versions of history that Pardington finds irresistible. Her photographs breathe life into inanimate objects, achieving what she describes as 'a radiant point of encounter – a punctum or a tear in the real from out of which steps a life revived, reconstituted or transubstantiated'.

Pardington’s practice considers the complexities of interaction - the fissures and frictions of culture, colonialism, dialogue, and our collective psyche. Presented in association with Starkwhite gallery, this exhibition will showcase photographs that reflect on Alberton’s architecture, history as a family home, and exceptional environment.

Fiona Pardington (b. 1961) is of Scottish and Māori (Kai Tahu, Kati Mamoe, Ngati Kahungunu) descent. She has a Doctorate in Fine Arts, University of Auckland and in 2016 was in named a Knight (Chevalier) in the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres). Fiona Pardington is represented by Starkwhite, Auckland.

Learn more about Pardington's artistic concerns in a free Artist Talk at Alberton on Sunday 9th June at 1pm, followed by tea & scones. All welcome, no bookings required!

Free entry to the exhibition. Normal admission fees apply to view the house - adults $10, children & Heritage New Zealand members free.

Presented by Alberton, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and Starkwhite Gallery, Auckland with the support of the Albert-Eden local board.