Join Tessa Russell at Enjoy Contemporary Art Space on Saturday 25 October from 1pm for an 1835 art making workshop.

Last year Tessa began making full size one off polaroids, each held in a metal case that has been stamped with 1835, the year that He Whakaputanga was signed. She started this series in a state of frustration as “three privileged men who grew up in Aotearoa rapidly erase any progress we have made as a country over the last 189 years” but also out of hope as an act of resistance. She says that “while the images displayed in these wearable pieces may slowly disappear, the facts in our history will remain.” 

During this workshop, you will be guided by Tessa to create your own wearable artwork. Our hope is that you will take it out of the gallery and into the world—these are made to be worn, not stored. 

We ask that you wear this on Tuesday 21 October, the day He Whakaputanga was signed 190 years ago. Learn about He Whakaputanga through resources we keep stocked at Enjoy and by taking a tour of He Tohu at the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa. When people ask you what your 1835 artwork is about, tell them about this kaupapa and put the responsibility back on them to educate themselves about He Whakaputanga. 

REGISTRATION PREFERRED. Please register here.

Tessa Russell (Ngāti Rākaipaaka) is an interdisciplinary artist, who places her voice as a Māori mother at the centre of her practice. Acknowledging that how she makes will have an impact on the world her descendants live in, her work uses sustainable methods and materials, unapologetically foregrounding the relationship that Māori have with their environment. Tessa’s work is in conversation with current issues affecting Māori, always reflecting on whakapapa, mana, and mauri.