Disrupting the Narrative

Overview

When one envisages war, the last thing they probably think of is art.

As a counter-narrative to the official 100-year commemorations of the First World War, a week-long event will be held to challenge existing ideas and concepts about New Zealand’s involvement, while linking it to contemporary issues.

Presented by the Art Not War collective, Disrupting the Narrative will incorporate an exhibition of contemporary art, historical material and public talks. Held at the Thistle Hall Gallery on April 21, the exhibition will feature the work of Brett Graham, Tame Iti, the Mata Aho Collective, Bob Kerr, Elijah Winter, Bridget Reweti, and the Mister Sterile Assembly. It will be open daily from Wednesday 22 April – Sunday 26 April.

A full afternoon programme will take place on Anzac Day; Stevan Eldred-Grigg author of The Great Wrong War will take the stage for the keynote address, Peace Action Wellington will discuss the contemporary implications on the war, and Labour History Project will discuss resistance at home and abroad during the war. Come nightfall, the kai will come out and featured artists and historians will take centre stage to discuss the resistance of Maori in the war including Waikato and Tahoe opposition to war.