Whakanoa, Precinct 35, 21.01.20 - 22.03.20

In 2020, artist Maia Kreisler (Ngāti Mutunga, Te Āti Awa) presented her solo ceramics exhibition, Whakanoa, at Precinct 35 in Wellington. This body of work delved into the concept of 'whakanoa,' a Māori term referring to the process of removing tapu (sacred restrictions) to restore neutrality and balance.

The exhibition explored themes of rest and recuperation following periods of intense struggle, emphasizing the importance of achieving equilibrium and neutrality.

In Māori tradition, 'whakanoa' involves rituals that transition entities or spaces from a state of tapu (sacredness) to noa (free from restrictions), facilitating a return to everyday interactions. By integrating this concept into her art, Kreisler not only highlighted cultural practices but also invited viewers to reflect on their own journeys toward balance and renewal.