Project gives voice to Ma¯ori women
A ‘‘brutally honest’’ exhibition by a French artist that will see four Nelson Ma¯ ori women bare their souls aims to give a voice to those not always heard.
The Wa¯ hine Project creation is designed for viewers to absorb aurally and visually, learning of four Ma¯ ori women’s trials and triumphs in Nelson.
French artist Loren Pasquier said she wanted to learn more about the Ma¯ ori culture and make others aware of what some people endured.
‘‘I really wanted to work with people and to use the skills I have in art, in photography, in video and in sound, to use it to put people on stage who are not necessarily heard.’’
The women in the exhibition include Cindy Batt, Batt’s mother Janice Wharepapa, Batt’s close friend, Joy Shorrock and Jahreece Hedley.
What Pasquier discovered over the year were stories that took listeners on a rollercoaster, and while they induced ‘‘empathy and love’’. Pasquier said the women who took part felt ‘‘a huge weight lifted of their chest because they got to tell their story’’.
The process with each woman was done in four parts.
First Pasquier met the women over a coffee, before interviewing them about their lives including their childhood, relationships and people who inspired them.
‘‘They were quite personal and intimate questions you’re not asked every day. It gets really emotional and really special.’’
A microphone was then given to each of the women to record their daily lives, and finally portraits were taken of the wa¯ hine in their own environments.
Cindy Batt said the interviews were very candid, speaking about being a Ma¯ori woman.
‘‘We talk about having abortions, babies that have died, our domestic violence. It’s very raw, it’s a raw thing about our experiences.’’
The Wa¯ hine Project is only the first chapter of a bigger plan which will take Pasquier hearing about the lives of women around the world, with her next stop in India.
‘‘It’s bigger than I thought it would be. I’m really making it my life project now. It’s so exciting and it feels so right ... just to be able to share and help people.’’
The Wa¯ hine Project officially opens to the public on February 9, 6.30pm at Founders Park Old St Peter’s Church, where the event runs until February 16.
Open 10am to 4.30pm daily where the public can meet the artist.
*The exhibition will also be part of the Kai Festival on February 6. It will be displayed in the Ka¯ kaati building (Wharenui) at Whakatu marae.