Join artists Janine Williams and Shannon Novak for a walking tour of Te Kōpua o Hiku, the newly reimagined Panmure Bridge.
Woven into the bridge’s design, the artwork invites reflection on identity, protection and connection. Created by Janine Williams (Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara, Ngāti Mahuta) and Shannon Novak (Ngāti Pākehā, Tarara/Croatian), the patterns in the railings and deck surface draw from Māori and Croatian symbols of endurance and guardianship.
The bridge is a place of connection: between cultures, histories and the natural world. A place that listens, remembers and responds.
About the artists:
Janine Williams (Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara, Ngāti Mahuta)
One of Aotearoas first wahine Māori urban artists and member of the world acclaimed creative collective ‘TMD Crew’ since 1998. Lead artist for the recently unveiled Auckland Public Artwork ‘Te Kōpua o Hiku’, her work has featured in a wide range of exhibitions and shows throughout Aotearoa and the world.
Janine's work as a mana whenua endorsed artist for her Tāmaki Makaurau based Iwi Ngati Paoa alongside major property developers, A.U.D.O, government agencies and Iwi as both an artist and creative consultant. Her passion lies in creating work that reflects local cultural and historical narrative & stories that have a direct connection to the whenua in which the artwork remains while pushing traditional practices into contemporary & urban settings.
Shannon Novak (Ngāti Pākehā, Tarara/Croatian)
Shannon Novak creates work that strives to lift the emotional weight carried by queer communities, work that seeks to ease anxiety, counter depression and preserve lives. He dismantles the structures that restrict queer lives and instead builds spaces that recognise, celebrate and protect them.
Through collaborative painting, photography, installation, sculpture, and curatorial projects, Novak’s practice unfolds in galleries, in public spaces, and in the moments between. His work traces darkness and light across time yet always leans toward hope, imagining futures where queer communities can live openly and safely. Guided by respect and care, his collaborations often intersect queer activism, the shifting terrain of emerging technologies, and the layered histories of his Croatian heritage as they meet his queer identity.
This event is weather dependent and will be cancelled in the event of adverse weather conditions. A postponement date announced. Please send your interest to info@uxbridge.org.nz so we have your email on hand.