Disrupting the narrative exhibition opens to challenge war

Disrupting the narrative exhibition opens to challenge war

“In the week of Anzac day 2015, the Art Not War collective opens Disrupting the narrative, an exhibition and public programme that challenges ideas about New Zealand in World War I,” said Art Not War collective member Ati Teepa.

“This free, public exhibition opens on Tuesday night, 21 April at 6pm at Thistle Hall Gallery in Wellington and features the work of Brett Graham, Tame Iti, the Mata Aho Collective, Bob Kerr, Elijah Winter, Bridget Reweti, and the Mister Sterile Assembly. It will also feature interpretive historical panels of archival photographs and other materials to put these artworks in the larger context of reframing the First World War.”

“On Anzac day, Saturday 25 April, we’ve got a full afternoon of discussions followed by a night of performances. Atnoon, Stevan Eldred-Grigg, author of The Great Wrong War takes the stage for the keynote address. Peace Action Wellington follows with speakers discussing the contemporary implications of the First World War. The Labour History Project will discuss resistance at home and abroad during the war. Then, featured artists and historians will discuss the resistance of Māori in the war including Waikato and Tūhoe opposition to war. In the evening, the artists will take centre stage with discussions and performances along with some kai. All events are free and open to the public.”

“The exhibition came about from a strong desire to challenge the State’s representation of New Zealand’s involvement in World War I both through art and through historical materials. The war was a colossal waste of human life and resources that New Zealand never needed to have been a part of. It is for this reason – and others - that we must be critical and skeptical about the uses to which history is put, and work to ensure that the past is not a simplified heroic mantle used to cloak modern warmaking.”

The exhibition is open daily from Wedneday 22 April – Sunday 26 April from 10-6pm at Thistle Hall Gallery, 293 Cuba Street.

ENDS

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