Kia ora Rangi Hapori,

This week akōnga are diving back into their creative projects and welcoming a new artist-in-residence, Julia Holderness. Julia’s connection to Rangi Ruru goes back to her own time as a student, when she was part of the very first cohort to use the new art block in 1998. Her journey since then has been inspiring—she pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Canterbury, followed by a Visual Arts PhD at Auckland University of Technology, showcasing her work both locally and nationally. Julia’s work, which spans installation, textiles, ceramics, and painting, delves into art history, modernism, and the role of women in these narratives. Her residency will see her working with students across all year levels, particularly in printmaking and painting, and we’re thrilled to have her share her expertise and passion with us. Julia's work can be viewed at The National Gallery, 249 Moorhouse Ave, Ōtautahi | Christchurch. Links to two exhibitions Julia currently has on in Tamaki-makau-rau | Auckland can be seen here and here. 

The department is bustling with activity as students continue to pour their energy into their projects. Year 10 students are exploring the world of handmade books, incorporating ink and drawings into their creations. This is an exciting journey as they explore their identities through art. Meanwhile, Year 11 students are focused on developing their workbooks, preparing for their upcoming intensive session on 16 September. They are also working diligently on their individual projects, pushing their artistic boundaries.

Year 8 have also been testing out some new skills as they practice some blind contour drawings. These drawings were done outside around the school- recording some of the  plants that exist at Rangi Ruru. These drawings were 'blind', meaning students are only looking at the subject matter, not at their page. This is a part of a project around plants and land, which will lead into a collaborative environmental work.

Year 12 students are engaged in individual printmaking research, which will continue throughout the year, building on the skills they’ve developed in previous years. This research informs their ideas for their portfolios, and we’re excited to see how their work evolves.

The Suffrage 131 exhibition is also coming up, with submissions for printmaking now open. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity for our students to showcase their talents alongside well known New Zealand artists and contribute to a larger conversation about art and history. Ms Rivers and Julia Holderness are curating this exhibition at Kate Sheppard House Gallery, opening 19 September.

This term, we also have the Scape Public Art Competition, which is due on 23 August. This competition is an excellent platform for students to display their creative talents in mural, photography, and sculpture concepts. It’s a wonderful opportunity for public engagement and for students to make their mark on the wider art community.

Finally, the Ringa Toi Māori Exhibition is approaching. Ringa Toi is an annual exhibition that showcases the artwork of secondary school students with a focus on Toi Māori and Pacific Arts at Excellence level. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage with and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Aotearoa.

As we move forward into this busy term, the art faculty remains a vibrant hub of creativity and growth. We look forward to seeing the incredible work our students will produce and celebrating their achievements together.

Thank you to Robyn Peers for her wonderful teaching of Art History while Mr Collins has been away.

Ngā mihi nui