PAWA Opening Night 2023, held at the Adam Art Gallery, was a memorable event that marked the return of the performance art showcase for the year. The night featured a remarkable lineup of performance artists from Aotearoa and around the world, each presenting unique and thought-provoking works.

John Vea’s “To watch something in person?” was a highlight of the evening. Vea’s performance explored themes of autonomy, boundaries, and freedom of movement, provoking the audience to consider their own agency in relation to the artist’s intentions.

Julieanna Preston’s “Restless Maneuvers” captivated the audience with its exploration of the material and spatial dynamics of the Adam Art Gallery. Preston’s performance was inspired by contemporary texts on Māori and Pākehā relations, adding depth and context to her artistic expression.

Louie Zalk-Neale presented “Beyond your tadpole stage // your spinal cord dissolves,” a performance that featured him draped in kawe, woven tī kōuka carrying straps. His act centered around a sculptural blue plastic barrel, inviting seven people to form a circle and focus their attention on the central moana-filled vessel through radiating tendrils.

Tomasz offered an “untitled” performance, intriguingly promising nothing but the potential for failure. This unconventional approach added an element of unpredictability and raw authenticity to the night’s performances.

Photography by Robyn Jordaan