Wendy Hannah Photo: Supplied
Marking 130 years since Aotearoa became the first self-governing country to give women the right to vote, a large-scale artwork has been launched in Tamaki Makaurau.
Liberty - Herekoretanga by artist Wendy Hannah is a camellia chandelier made from 31,872 recycled plastic bottles - each one representing a signature on the petitions presented to Parliament in the 1890s. Suffragists gave white camellias to their supporters to wear in parliament in 1893.
Wendy - a painter of 15 years who specialises in light and colour - travelled around the motu, visiting schools and running workshops to make the camellias.
The piece symbolises the achievements of the suffrage women, diversity and also puts environmental awareness in the spotlight.
Wendy Hannah spoke to Culture 101’s Perlina Lau about the launch of the installation.
Liberty - Herekoretanga will be displayed at The Pavilion at Botany town Centre in East Auckland until September 2024.
Liberty - Herekoretanga Photo: Supplied
Liberty - Herekoretanga Photo: Supplied
Liberty - Herekoretanga Photo: Supplied