Borrowed Inheritance Exhibition

Introducing a new solo exhibition by Sandra Smillie in a new Art for Everyone exhibition space – Gorge, Ōtaki.

In 2020, Sandra completed a series of digital works based on the exploration of her family history from South Taranaki, or Aotea. A series of nine prints followed in the form of Porohita (circles) created from a mix of photography and abstractions of text and images from her ancestors. Reusing and repurposing five original designs in this new series, Sandra has added to the images with handmade stencilled letters, spelling out the name AOTEA – in black and gold, the colours of Taranaki. This process adds another layer to the story.

“The digital programmes and photography I use allow me to explore and experiment with colours objects and ephemera, including historical documents, letters and photographs, blending the old and new – seeing the past through a different lens.”