FEATURED ARTIST

Rowan Panther

It’s fascinating to think of someone stripping harakeke (flax) to make the finest strands of muka as preparation for that most intricate of handcrafts – making bobbin lace. Rowan has a Diploma in Photography, a Bachelor of Fine Arts and received the 2021 Dame Doreen's Gift; she was introduced to lace-making by Alwynne Crowson, the doyenne of New Zealand lace-making. The craft has a significant history in the northern hemisphere, so to give it relevance in Aotearoa Rowan has translated delicate lace patterns to a locally found material, while drawing on her European/Samoan heritage. Her work is a cultural hybrid that goes beyond traditional notions of craft. It is planned meticulously and every strand of muka is valued to avoid waste. The almost obsessive methodical process contrasts with her contract work making costumes for the film industry.

FILM

RESPECT Multi-talented singer/actor Jennifer Hudson brings Aretha Franklin to life in this biopic about the legendary soul singer and civil rights activist who found her voice as a child in her father’s church choir and went on to be one of the world's most famous musical artists. Respect follows Aretha’s often challenging journey, where she not only had to fight to be heard because she was a woman, but also because she was black. Also starring are Forest Whitaker, pictured with Hudson above, and Marlon Wayans. In cinemas 19 August.