Masterton photographer Kiri Riwai Couch (Ngati Hine, Ngati Pukenga) reached a milestone in her ambitious long-running project to photograph Wairarapa kuia last week when her book Kuia – a celebration of portraits from the Wairarapa was launched at Masterton Town Hall.
Her hopes for a low key event were dashed as, like her exhibition opening of the same name at Aratoi in May 2014, whanua turned out in force to support her.
The book features 60 magnificent portraits and short accompanying text on kuia from her extended family and different sectors of the Wairarapa community from church and marae to kohanga and schools.
Each of the kuia featured received a copy of the book, made possible by funding from Creative Communities Masterton.
I wasn’t prepared for the emotional journey the stories the kuia shared and the things I learnt, says Kiri of the mammoth project.
I came to Wairarapa as an infant, the place has given me so much and this is my way of giving back,” she says.
The idea for a book came from kuia themselves around the closing of the Aratoi exhibition: They told me ‘the collection is being broken up – what are you going to do about it?, says Kiri who was initially reluctant as she was juggling other work commitments.
However she has no regrets now: I am so lucky they’ve allowed me to record their lives. The book is a tribute to them.
To order a copy of Kuia ($30) contact Kiri on Email: [email protected].
School holidays workshop
I will be showing kids the many ways of using charcoal and pastel at a three-day school holiday workshop in January. We’ll be focusing on still life – setting up ordinary and unusual objects from home – to develop some skills in showing light and shade to get some interesting drawings. In the afternoons, we’ll be looking at portraits and fun ways to capture the essence of a face.
Bring an old shirt if you can, otherwise
Aratoi’s new workshop aprons (courtesy the Friends) will be available to keep our clothes clean.
Tues 12 Jan - Thurs 14 Jan 12th, 10 am - 1.30pm. Suitable for 8-12 years. $75 per person.
Bookings T: 06 370 0001.
WHAT'S ON DATES
2015 Friends of Aratoi Art Awards, until 7 February; Robin White with Ruha Fifita: Ko e Hala Hangatonu: The Straight Path, until 5 January.
