Redacted Treaty Panels Debut As Art

In a bold new exhibition, Whai Wāhi, Te Pataka Toi—Adam Art Gallery at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, will display the Treaty panels from Te Papa that were redacted by artists and activists nearly two years ago.

The panels are included within the gallery’s upcoming group exhibition, which explores Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a living document, and ideas extending outward from this.

“Te Tiriti is a central part of identity formation in Aotearoa. This exhibition highlights the complexity and conflict inherent in its modern-day interpretation,” says Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Māori and Kaitiakitanga, Professor Rawinia Higgins.

“We’re aware these panels are a challenging artwork to show, because of how it was conceived. It prompts essential but difficult discourse about how Indigenous and colonial ideas coexist within our society.

“We encourage every visitor to come with their questions, their curiosity, and an open mind. Our University is a space to have these constructive conversations with respect and manaakitanga.”

The exhibition, co-curated by Abby Cunnane (Te Pātaka Toi—Adam Art Gallery, Manutaki—Director) and Brooke Pou (Project Co-curator, Kaiāwhina Nahanaha Taonga), opens at the gallery on Saturday 22 November.

“Whai Wāhi features an intergenerational gathering of artists whose artworks are also articulations of mana motuhake, of the need for change, and of an enduring will to engage in critical dialogue about our shared colonial past,” says Abby Cunnane.

Alongside the panels redacted by artists and activists Te Waka Hourua, the exhibition will feature works by prominent Māori artists—including Kura Te Waru Rewiri, Robyn Kahukiwa, Diane Prince, Emily Karaka, and Ngataiharuru Taepa. It will also feature new work by contemporary artists, Madison Kelly and Melanie Tangaere Baldwin, and moving image works from beyond Aotearoa, by Sky Hopinka (Ho-Chunk Nation / Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians) and Inas Halabi (Palestine).

“Whai Wāhi goes beyond exhibiting the work of artists who are also activists, such as Te Waka Hourua and Diane Prince, to include artists who may not identify as activists but whose work nevertheless expresses their beliefs in their own ways,” says Brooke Pou.

“The exhibition brings together a group of powerful artworks as the starting point for kōrero. Our programme of public events—including lunchtime talks, an evening of sonic performances, and exhibition tours—extends an invitation to continue the conversation,” says Abby Cunnane.

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