Powhiwhi is an exhibition of prints and drawings by artists Kyla Cresswell, Emma Kitson and Kim Lowe, exploring their relationships with Te Taiao ō Te Waipounamu.

 

In 2021 the artists collaborated for the first of a series of touring exhibitions. Ko Murihiku Tōku Whaea - Southern Mother, was a celebration of their longstanding friendship, the artists’ shared love of printmaking and the memory of their teacher, the late Marilynn Webb. A sense of connection with Murihiku and Te Waipounamu, the atmosphere and values of place and people was the starting point for the series of exhibitions. Opening at Pātaka Art + Museum in Porirua, Ko Murihiku Tōku Whaea - Southern Mother, subsequently toured Otago and Southland. In their exhibition, Powhiwhi, the artists continue to explore their relationships with Te Taiao ō Te Waipounamu.

 

Kyla Cresswell works with intaglio print processes and silverpoint to make exquisite small works or drawings with fine lines, based on her love of marshlands and estuary plants. Investigating the intersections between land and sea, her pieces often explore the overlooked margins.

 

Emma Kitson’s work explores her Kāi Tahu whakapapa through the kaitiakitanga of indigenous flora and fauna. She uses recycled pigments with screenprinting and relief prints like woodblock and lino. As a member of Paemanu she uses her art work to connect with traditional knowledge and practices.

 

Kim Lowe works cross media with relief monoprinting and painting, which move between abstraction and fine detail. She explores her whakapapa in relationship to the land, sea and skyscapes of Te Waipounamu. Her work for Powhiwhi responds to Stoddart Point and some of the plant heritage from the Cottage garden.

 

Powhiwhi runs from the 6th of March -29th of March. The opening event is Saturday 7th of March at 4pm.