Students visit Auckland Art Gallery for Pat Hanly project ‘Inspire’ stage

The day included a series of workshops and guided exhibition tours designed to provide inspiration around this year’s theme: ‘Ko wai au? Who am I?’: You are who you are because of where you stand.

Students explored a large retrospective exhibition of New Zealand photographer Mark Adams. In response to his photographic works, they experimented with documenting short visual narratives using thermal cameras.

The group also visited Taimoana | Coastlines, an exhibition exploring the concept of the Aotearoa coastline and its place within the wider Pacific context. The show offered diverse perspectives on identity, culture and environment through its curatorial lens.

A highlight of the day was a hands-on workshop led by installation artist and object maker Ani O’Neill. Her large-scale work 'Eke Nui', featured in the Taimoana exhibition, incorporates Pacific weaving traditions and uses a vibrant palette of rainbow-coloured wool. The piece references the eke (common reef octopus), an animal of cultural importance across many Pacific islands.

Following this visit, students will now create their own artworks in response to the theme. These pieces will be exhibited at school, with a final selection chosen by Auckland Art Gallery staff for display in a curated exhibition later this year.