Olivia Webb, Anthems of Belonging, The Tiibin Family, 2019. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Workshop with specal guest Erebuka Tiibin
2 December, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
ST PAUL St Gallery One 

Workshop with Olivia Webb
6 December, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
ST PAUL St Gallery One

Anthems of Belonging: roomsheet

For 18-months Olivia Webb worked closely with five New Zealand families to write songs that reflect their feelings about place and belonging in Aotearoa. Each of the families, including the artist’s own, have composed an anthem that embraces their values, concerns, and aspirations - from the climate crisis in Kiribati to songs of thanksgiving to those who love unconditionally. Brought together in this exhibition, these songs form a collective expression of our community today, acknowledging the rich diversity and constantly changing nature of Aotearoa.

As part of this exhibition, Olivia will hold two free public workshops at St Paul St Gallery One. The workshop on Monday 2 December, 12.30pm - 1.30pm will be lead with help from special guest Erebuka Tiibin, who will teach us some of her family anthem. This is a rare opportunity to learn to speak (and sing) some I-Kiribati, and a time to practise some of the exercises that helped each family compose their anthem. All are welcome to attend. Second workshop details to be announced.

Anthems of Belonging will also be exhibiting at The Dowse Art Museum, Friday 29 November 2019 – 22 March 2020. As part of her exhibition at The Dowse, Olivia Webb will also be giving an artist talk on Sunday 1 December, 2pm. For more information, click here.

This exhibition was developed in conjunction with practice-led PhD research at Auckland University of Technology.

Olivia Webb, Anthems of Belonging (installation view), 2019. Photo: Sam Hartnett

Olivia Webb, Anthems of Belonging (detail), 2019. Photo: Sam Hartnett

Olivia Webb, Chembo Family, 2019. Digital photographic print, 42cm x 59.4cm. Photo: Sam Hartnett

Olivia Webb, Ana utu Tiibin (the Tiibin family), 2019. Digital photographic print, 42cm x 59.4cm. Photo: Sam Hartnett

Olivia Webb, Vissers Webb Family, 2019. Digital photographic print, 42cm x 59.4cm. Photo: Sam Hartnett

Olivia Webb, Vissers Webb Family (detail), 2019. Photo: Sam Hartnett

Olivia Webb, The Vissers Webb family, Dorian Alleluias, 2018–ongoing. 5-channel 4K/HD video, stereo sound audio, 3 min 10 sec (variable). Photo: Sam Hartnett

Olivia Webb, The Chembo family, Hand on My Chest, 2018–ongoing. 5-channel 4K/HD video, stereo sound audio, 4 min. Photo: Sam Hartnett

Olivia Webb, The Faulalo/Bull family, Life is Good, 2018–ongoing. 5-channel 4K/HD video, stereo sound audio, 3min 50 sec. Photo: Sam Hartnett

Olivia Webb, The Samson-Godinez family, New Zealand, Our Home, 2018–ongoing. 5-channel 4K/HD video, stereo sound audio,
1 min 30 sec. Photo: Sam Hartnett