Areta Wilkinson: Whakawhanake: From Contemporary Jewellery to Sculpture

The creative practice of Areta Wilkinson (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Irakehu) is a continuous exploration of the values and narratives that have shaped both her identity and her artwork. Over recent years Areta’s focus on Māori personal adornment has developed into sculptures adorning the public realm thanks to three significant commission namely: Toro Atua at Rolleston Town Centre, Te Waiatatanga Mai o Te Atua at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, and Te Mauri o te Puna at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū.

In this artist talk, Areta will share project insights including elevating mātauranga Māori, the delight of transferable skills, design team learnings, juggling control and collaboration, project compromises and those times to hold one’s ground.



This event is part of Matariki 2026, where we're celebrating Matariki with talented artists from Ōtautahi and beyond. Bring your friends and whānau to Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre (4-12 Hōngongoi July) for music, exhibitions, kapa haka, wānanga (workshops), night mākete and much more.