Amplifying the Voices of Ōtautahi Creative Spaces’ Rangatahi Artists, Sanctuary was an exhibition that explored the power of creativity for wellbeing, set within a cosy living room space.
A partnership between Ōtautahi Creative Spaces and Christchurch City Libraries, this creative takeover showcased work by over 30 diverse rangatahi and welcomes the public into a cosy space to explore themes that matter to our artists: home, identity and our diverse community spirit.
The exhibition was on in Te Pito Huarewa / Southbase Gallery, Tuakiri | Identity, Level 2 and changed monthly and extended beyond the gallery walls - tiny doors, hidden bookmarks and more around Tūranga!
The exhibition featured:
- Upcycled furniture: A couch, bookshelf and table
- Works on paper by the rangatahi – displayed in a salon hang of frames
- Custom made rugs – one of which will be finished on-site within the gallery. These rugs will be made in this space over the coming weeks, in collaboration with Dilana Rugs, Sudi Dargipour and Josh Braden.
- Digital artworks
Ōtautahi Creative Spaces is a creative community of people with experience of mental distress, using art to process, soothe and express while empowering us to live our lives as artists. The exhibition is led by Audrey Baldwin, a partnership between Ōtautahi Creative Spaces and Christchurch City Libraries.
Sanctuary: Creative Occupation - OCS eCatalogue
Get to know the rangatahi artists involved. Read about the exhibition and the many activations that have been unleashed around Tūranga [PDF]
Find out more
- Like Ōtautahi Creative Spaces on Facebook
- Follow Ōtautahi Creative Spaces on Instagram
Supported by Creative New Zealand.
Lift activations
Three artworks transformed the lifts at Tūranga.
Infinite Ascension by Sudi Dargipour
Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem
By the pen and what everyone writes!
A quote was selected collaboratively by a Muslim youth group that is part of the Ōtautahi Creative Spaces community. The ideas in it reflect their kaupapa - one that values writing and communication as a key way to connect with others and share knowledge.
Translation by Dr. Mustafa Khattab, the Clear Quran
About the artist
Sudi Dargipour, is an artist and rug maker who leads programmes at Ōtautahi Creative Spaces for the Muslim Community. Her lift design is in collaborative effort with the vibrant Muslim Youth of Ōtautahi.
Follow Sudi on Instagram: @sudi_dargipour
Artwork by Rebecca McNab
You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.
Maya Angelou
A quote was selected collaboratively by Unleashed, a rangatahi youth group that part of the Ōtautahi Creative Spaces community. The ideas in it reflect their kaupapa - one of boundless creativity and possibility.
About the artist
Rebecca’s art practice is wide ranging from ink to digital art. Her art springs forth with humour and intrigue. Design elements from this lift decal can be found on stickers around the streets of Ōtautahi.
Artwork by Samantha Plunkett
Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou,
Ka ora ai te iwi
A whakatauki was selected collaboratively by Te Korimako, a Māori whanau group that is part of the Ōtautahi Creative Spaces community. The ideas in it reflect their kaupapa - one of sharing and working together.
About the artist
Samantha Plunkett (Ngāi Tahu) is an artist who is using art to explore her cultural heritage and identity as Māori. Whakataukī and te reo Māori feature throughout Samantha’s art, which she responds to with vibrant backdrops. In conversation, Samantha talks about her strong connection between wellbeing and creativity. Samantha finds art to be a safe space for her to express herself and practice self-care, which motivates her to create.
Follow Samantha on Instagram: @the.samantharoom
Shades of Precision stained glass window
Shades of Precision was located on Hapori | Community, Level 1, Tūranga, on a window overlooking the Court Theatre near the Ngā Purapura / Activity Room of Tautoru / TSB Space.
Don't you know yet?
It's your light that lights the world.
Rumi.
Designed by Sudi Dargipour in collaborative efforts with the vibrant Muslim youth of Ōtautahi Christchurch, in collaboration with Ōtautahi Creative Spaces, alongside the remarkable contribution of Audrey Baldwin and the incredible team at Tūranga.
About the artist
Sudi Dargipour, is an artist and rug maker who leads programmes at Ōtautahi Creative Spaces for the Muslim Community. Her lift design is in collaborative effort with the vibrant Muslim Youth of Ōtautahi.
Follow Sudi on Instagram: @sudi_dargipour
Photos
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