Poetic Responses | Fred Graham | Toi Whakaata / Reflections

Narrative and the sharing of knowledge are central threads in Fred Graham: Toi Whakaata / Reflections. The works evoke Māori histories, personal stories, and observations of the natural world. For this event, local poets Jo Bragg, Ivy Lyden-Hancy and Ngaio Simmons perform poems written in response to the exhibition.

Jo Bragg

Jo Bragg (Ngati Porou) is a visual artist, writer, and researcher born and currently based in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland, making work informed by critical, social, and queer art theory. Widely exhibited and published, Bragg is a co-founder of MEANWHILE Gallery (Te Whanganui-a-Tara / Wellington), and holds an MFA by research from Monash University, Naarm Melbourne Australia.

Ivy Lyden-Hancy

Ivy Lyden-Hancy (Te Rarawa / Ngaati Wairere / Vava’u / Falefa) is a poet who hails from Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa and Te Ao Māori, as such her storytelling transcends the seas of her mother lands. Ivy was born and raised in Papakura, South Auckland and brings the mana of her village with her in her works. Ivy has been published in anthologies such as A showcase of Rangatahi poets 2022, Spoiled Fruit 2023, A liminal gathering 2023, Rat World magazine 2023, Overcome Mag 2024 and has many published online works. Ivy continues to be an avid poet in hopes that it revitalises indigenous storytelling.  

Ngaio Simmons

Ngaio Simmons (Ngāti Porou) is a poet born and raised in Hawai’i. Now based in Tāmaki Makaurau, his work digs into such themes as diaspora, identity conflict, and home.

22 June, 11am-12pm