Toi Hono is a art class from the te ao Māori perspective. Many pieces are worked on collaboratively, including the centre piece of the latestToi Hono Exhibition.
Toi Hono is a newer class at Toi Ora. To begin with, the class attendance used to be one or two people, but now it’s flourishing with all Toi Ora artists welcome to enrol and create art from a te ao Māori point of view.
The class celebrated the opening of their latest exhibition on Monday on display until 3 July. Led by kaiwhakaako Lisa, the exhibition showcases a range of collaborative artworks created by the group over recent months.
The opening began with a karakia, followed by shared kai and an opportunity for each artist to speak about their contribution to the works on display.
After the opening, artists gathered around current projects, sharing stories, techniques, and reflections on what the class means to them.
For Scott, Toi Hono provides an opportunity to create alongside others. “It enhances the learning being around people with different personalities,” he said. “They help stretch my ideas and bring new ones to life.”
Heather spoke about the importance of storytelling within the group. “Everybody tells stories based on others,” she explained. “Toi Hono makes you more considerate of other people’s stories. It has shown us that we need to listen to others, not just be present.”
Another artist reflected on the supportive learning environment Lisa has created. “Lisa has never made me feel silly for not knowing something at Toi Hono. I love how much I learn here about myself and te ao Māori.”
For Sam, who returned to Toi Ora specifically to attend Toi Hono after a long break, creativity provides a vital sense of belonging. “I keep coming back to creativity because it’s where my inner and outer worlds meet,” he said. “Through creativity, I find my home.”
When asked what strengths participants bring to the class, Lisa paused before laughing and replying, “Every strength possible comes out in our class.” Reflecting on her first year facilitating Toi Hono, she added, “These guys are whānau now. It feels like I’m coming to do art with my family.”
The exhibition highlights not only the artworks themselves, but the learning and relationships behind them. Artists shared knowledge of harakeke dyeing, raranga practices, and the intricate process of weaving harakeke into nīkau—techniques currently being explored in the group’s latest collaborative project.
Come see these works in person! The exhibition is on until 3 July at the Toi Ora Gallery, 6 Putiki Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland.
