The NewZealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata is thrilled toannounce the arrival of anevocative exhibition by Auckland-based artist Abhi Chinniahwhich opens on 12 September. JaenineParkinson, Director of The New Zealand Portrait Gallerysays, “each portrait, set against Aotearoa's breathtakinglandscapes, features individuals in traditional culturalattire, capturing the essence of their heritage and personalstories.” This visual celebration underscores boththe beauty of cultural diversity and the ongoing quest forinclusion and understanding.
The exhibition offers a nuancedperspective on the challenges and triumphs faced by thesevibrant communities. In 2022, was acquired by the National Library of NewZealand, marking a significant recognition of its honest andimpactful storytelling. This acquisition underscores theproject's commitment to giving voice and agency to theindividuals featured, reflecting both the artist's personalexperiences and broader societal issues.
Curator DrAshwinee Pendharkar says “Through this exhibition,Abhi’s work, and these women’s voices offer us akintsugi experience – unique and authentic, byembellishing the scars of colourist experiences with alacquer of their spirit and gumption, turning them intosomething beautiful. Courageously honest and vulnerable butalso kind in the understanding, representation, and sense ofbelonging it offers to others like themselves. Brave in theconfrontation and awareness it offers to the likes of thosewho.