30/04/2026
Join us in celebrating the opening of Tāmata
5.30pm Wednesday May 6
Tāmata is an exhibition by artists Bri Leone-Rhea Lawrence and Geo Aroha Thompson-Skipworth.
The kaupapa of Tāmata originated from a research trip undertaken by the artists after mutually recognising the potential for a shared history. The trip follows both artist’s lines of whakapapa, tracing connections to Hinemihi (Wairoa) and Hinerupe (Te Araroa). Both marae are linked through layered histories of deterioration and restoration. Engaging directly
with these sites, the artists examine colonial displacement, cultural restoration and Māori identity.
A core aspect of the kaupapa is relational restoration - strengthening ties with whānau, land and marae through conversation and creative action aligned with ongoing restoration efforts. Tāmata offers an experience for the audience to engage with the artist’s art-making journey. The works honor the past while envisioning contemporary forms of restoration.
The artists would like to thank Aunty Charmaine, Aunty Jodi, Jan, David, Derna and Uncle Mo.
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Bri Leone-Rhea Lawrence
Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa
Bri is an artist based in Ōtautahi. A graduate of Ara Institute of Canterbury (2023), and was recognised with the Eke Panuku awards. Bri is a recipient of the Toi Ōtautahi Incubator Programme and resident photographer for Q***r Horizons Ōtautahi.
Bri’s practice uses photography to navigate ways to unpack family and colonial histories. Engaging with sites and connections within her whakapapa, are the main kaupapa that drive her
practice. Her work was included in exhibitions 09 07 25 (2025), at The Physics Room. Whakawhanaungatanga (2023) at CoCA Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki, Ōtautahi.
Geo Aroha Thompson-Skipworth
Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou
Geo is a multi-disciplinary artist working in Ōhinehou, Ōtautahi. A graduate of Ara Institute of Canterbury (2024), she works at The Physics Room Contemporary Gallery & Te Puna o Waiwhetū Christchurch Art Gallery. Her work moves between disciplines, drawing on the symbolic and the tactile to explore ideas of whakapapa, whenua, and cultural memory.
Thanks to Ela Kalman for design
