Word art builds community spirit

JOINED: A Wall of Words, Marie Potter's installations for Wairarapa on the windows of Aratoi.PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

COMMUNITY hiveminded words relating to Wairarapa's identity are plastering the windows of the Aratoi Museum building in scrabble-like formation.

The word grids as collated by artist and Friends of Aratoi Fellow Marie Potter are a result of workshops held during the Kokomai Creative Festival in which participants would suggest words relating to concepts they link to Wairarapa living.

Potter said the highlight of carrying out the works was witnessing the "unity of bringing people together".

"This format has a great ability to unite people emotionally, spiritually and intellectually," she said.

"And then the people that contributed these words can come along and share them with their families so there's a wonderful community spirit and it's been a privilege to be working with them all, and the children were so much fun.

"It just shows you all of the aspects that make up a community and how important it is to nurture them all, to have a well-balanced community especially in the 21st century."

The works were carried out as part of both her Fellowship with Friends of Aratoi and her residency at New Zealand Pacific Studio in Mount Bruce.

"This has been a giving to the community and I'm very happy to do that," she said.

"That's what I feel art is all about. It has got to be all-encompassing and all-embracing to everybody. It shouldn't be elitist, and it must have purpose."

She said that although there were many facets to the format and methodology of the work there was nothing "threatening" about it, which made it accessible for everyone.

"My work acts as a prompt to memory," she said.

"Where the viewer creates their own narratives, observations and experiences. As a result they are able to recognise and value the significance of their own cultural and social identity.

"And as I say, I believe in art being there for everyone. And that's what is so lovely about an art museum. It caters for the community, because a lot of people are overwhelmed by going to a formal gallery."

The groups that were involved in the word brainstorming throughout Kokomai Creative Festival were Masterton Intermediate School, King Street Artworks, the New Zealand Pacific Studio and Aratoi Museum. The installations are on display at Aratoi until December 4.