The kind power of art

Art enriches and nourishes, like food, and acts of kindness. By Madeleine Slavick.

In times of stress and distress, we turn to art to fortify us – songs that seem to speak directly to us, paintings that move us beyond the moment into a stronger space, poems that resonate with a sense of grace, handmade ceramics that offer us solace as we eat, and taonga that remind us of our place in this world.

“Arts and culture have the ability to uplift and to empower and provide hope and a sense of belonging during these difficult times,” says Aratoi Director Susanna Shadbolt. 

While Aratoi and several other museums across Aotearoa closed their doors to the public on 21 March due to the coronavirus pandemic, staff continue to care for taonga and, whenever possible, will offer creative activities for the community, such as through print and online media.

This 80-photograph frieze The Homely II was created by the artist Gavin Hipkins over a 16-year period, and is currently installed in the main gallery.

Aratoi selects these two images from the series to bring readers a sense of home, a sense of calm, and a sense of community.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT