This must be the place

This must be the place showcases the work of ten tertiary art students of Pacific heritage, who confidently journey the challenging physical and conceptual landscapes of postcolonial New Zealand. Exploring the reconstruction of place and culture through colonisation and migration their works reveal the politics and subjectivities of being a Pacific Islander in Auckland, New Zealand/Aotearoa.

This must be the place suggests a consistent search for a place to belong, not realising the location of this place has been in front of us all along.  This generation of emerging contemporary artists have confidently put forth their own conclusions and findings in relation to the past histories before them, affirming and cementing their own position within an uncertain and sometimes strenuous landscape. They provide refreshing and challenging perspectives that exist and deserve to be acknowledged. Affirmed and cemented, finally, we have found this place.

Curated by Jeremy Leatinu’u. Artists include Louisa Afoa, Cordelle Feau, Anita Jacobsen, Alana Lopesi, Pilimi Manu, Chris Ryan, Talia Smith, Salome Tanuvasa, Aaron Unasa, Cora-Allan Wickliffe

6 July – 27 July.

St Paul St Gallery, 40 St Paul St, Auckland.