Tungaru: The Kiribati Project

Tungaru: The Kiribati Project is a collaboration between contemporary New Zealand artists, Chris Charteris and Jeff Smith. Tungaru is the pre-colonial name for Kiribati. The project was born out of Chris’ desire to return to Kiribati, to meet his family and to experience life on these tiny strips of atoll in the Pacific. Always with a camera in hand, Jeff was there to capture much of the journey. The exhibition is not only a personal story about family but one that also references the larger global issues of climate change, over-population and threats to traditional cultures. The exhibition features a selection of artworks from Chris, an interactive Kiribati warrior created by Jeff, and archival footage of Kiribati, alongside pieces from the Museum’s Kiribati collections. Alongside the offering at the Museum, a six-week exhibition is being held at Māngere Arts Centre – Ngā Tohu o Uenuku, which includes items from the Museum’s collections as well as a selection of works by Chris Charteris and Jeff Smith.

5 July – 23 November

Auckland Museum, Pacific Galleries Auckland Museum The Auckland Domain, Auckland

12 July – 24 August

Mangere Arts Centre, Corner Bader Drive and Orly Avenue, Auckland