COMMONER is an exhibition presenting three artists from different parts of the North Island, with Yonel Watene from Auckland, Kauri Hawkins from Gisborne and Chevron Hassett from Lower Hutt. Even though deriving from distant regions, they each understood the value of unifying to amplify a collective voice for this exhibition. Envisioning their artworks to transcend the many boundaries of class, place and race.

Within COMMONER, the artists have made new work for ST PAUL St Gallery by responding to their lived experiences, commenting on the social issues and overarching stereotypes attached to their identities, which have ultimately shaped each of them.

From left: Chevron Hassett, Restor(N)ative (1), 2020; Restor(N)ative (2), 2020; Right: Yonel Watene, Wizard staff #3, 2020; Hands against the wall (Untitled), 2020. Photo: Sam Hartnett.

From left: Kauri Hawkins, Working Gang (Red), 2020; Working Gang (Orange), 2020; Right: Chevron Hassett, Restor(N)ative (1), 2020; Restor(N)ative (2), 2020. Photo: Sam Hartnett.

Kauri Hawkins, Working Gang (Red), 2020; Working Gang (Orange), 2020. Bandana flag, 1430mm x 2770mm. Photo: Sam Hartnett.

Kauri Hawkins, Working Gang (Orange), 2020. Bandana flag, 1430mm x 2770mm (detail). Photo: Sam Hartnett.

Chevron Hassett, Whakapapa, Whaka-Papa (2), 2020. Re-designed imitation of the Rimutaka men's general population prison uniform. Photo: Sam Hartnett.

Chevron Hassett, Restor(N)ative (1), 2020. Self-portrait in Naenae wearing a re-designed Rimutaka men's general population prison uniform. 1100 x 800mm digital print on ILFORD Gallerie smooth pearl paper. Photo: Sam Hartnett.

Yonel Watene, Hands against the wall (Untitled), 2020. Kauri, kapia (kauri gum resin), ash, oil paint, custom-made wood finishing oil, various solvents, various linseed oil, rimu floorboards, pine 2x4, dimensions variable. Photo: Sam Hartnett.

Yonel Watene, Hands against the wall (Untitled), 2020. Kauri, kapia (kauri gum resin), ash, oil paint, custom-made wood finishing oil, various solvents, various linseed oil, rimu floorboards, pine 2x4, dimensions variable (detail). Photo: Sam Hartnett.

Yonel Watene, Wizard staff #3, 2020. Unopened Steinlager beer cans, spray paint, duct tape, adhesive, epoxy resin, glass and terracotta, dimensions variable. Photo: Sam Hartnett.