SOLACE: Pathways of Loss and Renewal

Landscape of rolling hills with a tree, horse, and mountains in the background during sunrise or sunset, with flowers, butterflies, and bees in the foreground. Overlaid text indicates an event in Maori and English, with opening date 14 February 2027 and closing date 16 May 2027.

SOLACE is a collaborative exhibition exploring loss and offering pathways of hope and shared understanding through visual art and storytelling.

Our exhibition opens on Valentine’s Day, 14 February 2027 in the Wesley Wing at Aratoi: Wairarapa Museum of Art and History.

SOLACE is curated by Jane Ross, and features the stories and works of artists and storytellers with strong connections to Wairarapa.

Our Artists:

  • Esther Bunning

  • Lisa Ward Ross

  • Sharisse Eberlein

  • Vincent Ward ONZM

  • Dame Robin White DNZM (Ngāti Awa)

  • Sam Te Tau (Rangitāne o Wairarapa)

  • Carl Rongonui (Rangitāne o Wairarapa, Ngāti Ruanui)

  • Holly Jackson (Rangitāne o Wairarapa, Ngāti Kahungunu)

Our Storytellers:

Jane Ross, Esther Bunning, Gareth Winter, Holly Jackson, Lisa Ward Ross, Dame Robin White. Vincent Ward, Catherine Cooper, Jonas Koukl, Sam Te Tau, and Carl Rongonui