For the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, we worked on “Te Hā o Te Wao Nui a Tāne - The Breath of Tane,” an interactive discovery space in Te Aka Matua - The Creative Learning Centre. This project was conceptualized by artist Charlotte Graham, in collaboration with Nick Eagles from The Letter Q and Rick Pearson from Pearson Associates Architects. The challenge was to create a hands-on space for families to connect as kaitiaki (guardians) of the ngahere and Tāne’s tamariki, incorporating activities that reflect Charlotte’s art practice.
Our process involved one-on-one workshops with Charlotte at both conceptual and development stages. We worked closely with Finework artisans to devise materials and treatments that would engage children’s imaginations. Central to the project were rubbing stations with laser-engraved surfaces, allowing children to create wax paper drawings that they added to the walls. Over time, these drawings formed a stunning korowai (cloak) of Tāne, protecting and enclosing the space. Material and process exploration and prototypeing with Finework allowed us to innovate and utilise laser and CNC processes ideal suited to this high impact space. The result was a vibrant, evolving artwork that engaged children in conservation and creativity, embodying the spirit of Tāne.
