Take Care - E Tiaki

Opening event - Tuesday 23 March, 6.30 pm

For many artists around the world, global disruptions have caused a drastic drop in opportunities for creative output due to repeated episodes of Covid-19 lockdowns. New Zealand’s success in becoming an almost Covid-free zone, means our artists have the rare privilege of being able to continue to work, in and around NZ.

'Take Care / E Tiaki' is a 3-month project guided and curated by Sonja van Kerkhoff. 14 selected NZ artists have been partnered with contemporary overseas artists from countries more stricken by COVID-19, to become stewards (kaitiaki) of their partner’s artwork. In consultation with their overseas artist, the role of the NZ artist is to create a space - place (turangawaewae) for their partner’s work. The aim is to transverse the global interruptions caused by the virus, via virtual, digital, conceptual and relational means. Participating artists are all open to the 'sharing and caring' concept, where their roles and relationships explore stewardship as an artform.

The caretaking roles are fluid with some artists caring for works for more than one overseas-based artist, and with ancillary projects that involve multiple artists. The exhibition experience will be multicultural and multi-layered as the artists explore fresh avenues to communicate, make art, and ultimately present these works in a public gallery in NZ. The project culminates in a 3-week exhibition at artHAUS, including site-specific works in the surrounding shopping mall and an additional free Public Programme.

'Take Care / E Tiaki' will merge accessible and stimulating high-end art with local and international community-building. It will bring global dialogues that will offer fresh perspectives on connection and creativity in the Covid era - along with the conceptual and edgy.