Various Artists with Sofia & Beth

Author Tina Makereti’s new novel released on Wednesday 3rd of July. It covers an array of themes such as colonisation, ecological devastation and extremism. It explores the strength of womanhood and the importance of connection in a polarised and fraught world.

Set in a small Aotearoa town, a little bit into the future, the story follows three women who find themselves neighbours. A sense of disquiet arises when the Pākehā neighbour’s son moves in sporting a fresh buzzcut and a new tattoo.

Beth spoke to Tina about The Mires, its themes and the inspiration behind the book. You can pick up a copy of The Mires at Time Out Bookstore or another independent bookstore near you.

I missed you, Matariki is a new exhibition by Levi Kereama and Whiro Walker at Window Gallery in the University of Auckland General Library. 

The accompanying text reads:

I missed you Matariki.

I needed you yesterday.

There’s been too much mamae.

Too much tangi and too much mate.

Give me a fresh start, a good feast

Give me a glimpse at the ones I’ve lost

and some hope the next season will be a good one

Haere mai, tōku Matariki

I mokemoke au mōu.

Sofia spoke with one of the artists, Levi Kereama, about the kaupapa of the show and his work. 

Five new moving image works have launched as part of Huarere: Weather Eye, Weather Ear, Te Tuhi’s contribution to the global World Weather Network.

Curated by Janine Randerson, the screening programme features the five latest sound and video commissions created by three artists: Jae Hoon Lee, Riki Pirihi, and Tia Bennett. 

One of the projects, Tūhononga (Cluster and Connection) Parts I and II by Tia Barrett (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mamoe, Te Rapuwai, Waitaha, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Tamainupō) explores the pūrākau (stories) from our past which we can draw on to benefit the future of our whenua. 

Sofia spoke to Tia about Tūhononga (Cluster and Connection) as well as Huarere: Weather Eye, Weather Ear in general.

Beth had a kōrero with Whangārei-based artist Andrea Gardner about her exhibition When Mauve Does the Tango, currently on at The Arts House Trust.

Sofia spoke with Kathryn Tsui about cloud ribbon, an exhibition currently showing at Object Space that explores Kathryn’s own cultural heritage and craft practice by reflecting on intersections of Asian and European cultural histories.

Sofia spoke to Tia about Tūhononga (Cluster and Connection) as well as Huarere: Weather Eye, Weather Ear.

Plus, a bit of Angel Olsen, Elliott Smith and Soccer Mommy to soundtrack your rainy arvo. Does it get better?!