As the replica ship HMS Endeavour sits in Mercury Bay in the Coromandel to mark the 250th year since Captain James Cook landed there, Whanganui artist Vanessa Edwards is marking the anniversary in her own
Social Amnesia: Whanganui artist Vanessa Edwards explores collective forgetfulness with new exhibition
The resulting series of works utilise new technologies of laser-cutters along with hand-carved marks, graffiti spray-paint and stencils on wood panels.
There is also a series of three-dimensional works made from perspex and cast metals.
Edwards' research has included the study of Ko te Karere o Nui Tireni, New Zealand's first Māori language newspaper, and the fate of the first Māori-owned printing press.
"One account claimed that the press was melted down and made into bullets during the land wars.
"I've incorporated that by melting down old letterpress type pieces and cast them into bullet shapes."
Whanganui print master Marty Vreede donated the pieces of old typeface to Edwards' project and she said her former tutor has been a fantastic resource and supporter.
"This work has seen me developing a strong interest in the history, whakapapa of Aotearoa.
"We all know aspects of our history but are most likely fuzzy on the details."
Edwards says the absence of details often causes us to believe what we are told and shape our opinions and perspectives without really knowing what happened, how it happened and more importantly why it happened.
"These works are intended to act like pou whakairo (carvings), tukutuku (decorative panels) or kowhaiwhai (rafter paintings) in our wharenui, collectively activating the space to allow a response and create a conversation from the viewer's knowledge and personal ideology.
"Interestingly, this year New Zealand's early history has become a focus for curriculum at both primary and secondary school levels with the Government announcing compulsory history of New Zealand to be implemented by 2022.
"As a secondary school art teacher I am excited about this move and I will be doing my bit to ensure this happens across all subjects, not just in history, and feel I will be learning alongside our students also."
Social Amnesia will be open for viewing at the Edith Gallery, 24 Taupo Quay, from 10am on Saturday, October 19, until Friday, October 25.