MIGRANT NEWS Sept 2023

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Showcasing Asian New Zealand Artists’ Perspectives on
Belonging and Cultural Evolution
Auckland – June 15
marked the opening of ‘A
Place to Call Home’ – the
first group exhibition of contemporary
New Zealand
Asian art, curated by the
Bergman Gallery.
This groundbreaking exhibition
aimed to highlight the
generational presence of
Asian New Zealanders and
the pivotal role their art
plays in shaping the country’s
contemporary cultural
landscape.
Through various artistic
mediums such as paintings,
photography, sculpture and
ceramics, this exhibition
showcased the artists’ exploration
of ancestral legacies
and the concept of home and
belonging within the context
of New Zealand.
The narratives expressed
by the participating artists in
‘A Place to Call Home’ resonated
with traditions from
across the Pacific and Asian
continent, embracing
diverse cultural influences
from Korea, China, India,
Sri Lanka, the Philippines,
Malaysia, Persia and the
Middle East.
These traditions have
By Ricky Matthew
Bev Moon’s artwork portrays a
Chinese New Year feast,
symbolizing family gatherings
and honouring her heritage.
merged with their New
Zealand values and identity,
generating a commanding
dialogue with distinct voices,
stories and perspectives.
The exhibition presents a
biographical exploration of
cultural evolution within the
broader New Zealand population.
Louie Bretaña, a Filipino
artist, shared his perspective
on the artworks he contributed
to the exhibition.
“It’s all about exploring the
differences. My pieces at
this exhibition are all exploring
the narratives of our precolonial
deities.”
Bretaña’s artworks depict
the safety of fire and volcano,
the symbolism of
nature and the representation
of local stories intertwined
with Filipino aesthetics. His
works draw inspiration from
Filipino cultural heritage
and merge it with the local
New Zealand context.
Another featured artist,
Bev Moon, a Chinese artist,
discussed the motivation
behind her artwork in the
exhibition. Her artwork portrays
a Chinese New Year
feast, symbolizing family
gatherings and honouring
her heritage.
Moon explained: “The
black settings represent my
mum, my dad and my sister
who passed away. The fish
and chips in my dad’s hand
symbolize his 32-year-old
business. The artwork also
includes a dollar sign, representing
my father’s journey
from having nothing when
he arrived in New Zealand to
providing for his family and
loved ones.”
Moon’s artwork incorporates
locally sourced materials
and knitted elements,
reflecting her personal connection
to her Chinese heritage
and the traditions
passed down through her
family.
Both artists emphasized
the significance of their art
in reflecting their cultural
identities and the transformative
experiences they’ve
had since coming to New
Zealand.
“The Maori and Pacific
nations here in New Zealand
have opened my mind to
looking at my own cultural
identity separate from colonial
influences,” shared
Bretaña. “It’s about taking
everything out and leaving it
purely Filipino.”
Moon echoed this sentiment,
adding, “Arriving in
New Zealand has opened my
mind to different perspectives
and helped me honour
and celebrate my Chinese
heritage in unique ways.”
'A Place To Call Home'
invited viewers to engage
with the artworks and to
experience the diverse narratives
and rich cultural tapestry
of Asian New
Zealanders.
The exhibition showcased
not only the artists’ creative
expressions, but also their
shared experience of finding
a sense of home and belonging
in New Zealand. It was a
celebration of cultural diversity,
resilience and the power
of art to foster understanding
and connection.