Various Artists with Sofia & Beth

Blue Field is a new project by Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist Gavin Hipkins showing at Michael Lett Gallery. 

It exhibits hundreds of unique cyanotype prints in a large-scale gridded installation, a process which was invented in the 1840s to reproduce technical drawings and scientific tables.

Blue Field exhibits a continuation of exploring photographic techniques used in previous exhibitions of Hipkins’ including The Field, which was first exhibited in 1995 at the artist-run gallery Teststrip on Karangahape Road, and more recent works at Hamish McKay Gallery in Pōneke late last year. 

Sofia spoke to Gavin about the show, using cyanotype photography, and his practice. 

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.

Beth caught up with author Tina Makereti about her new novel, The Mires.

Sofia spoke to senior curator of global contemporary art at Auckland Art Gallery, Natasha Conland, and acting curator of Pacific art, Cameron Ah-Loo Matamua, about new exhibition Aotearoa Contemporary.

Beth caught up with Australian comedian Frankie McNair about her show Intimate Evening With Tabitha Booth, currently showing at Q Theatre.

Sofia spoke to the director of Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival, Paolo Bertolin, about the programme this year.

And Ōtepoti folk singer Keira Wallace joined us in the studio to chat about their show at the Wine Cellar tomorrow night to celebrate the release of their single, Leap/Landing.

Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival opened last week in Te Whanganui-a-Tara on the 31st of July, before touring nine other centres across the country until the 4th September.

Held annually across Aotearoa, the festival line up this year will feature 86 films and 19 shorts.

The programme this year brings together diverse film screenings at 15 cinemas and venues nationwide, while also providing opportunities to enhance the film-going experience with Q&As, masterclasses, workshops, panel discussions and special events including costume parties and a gig.

Sofia spoke to the festival’s Artistic Director, Paolo Bertolin, about the programme this year and what he’s most excited for.