Janice Wharepapa

Te Atiawa, Waikato, Te Whānau-A-Apanui and Ngai Tūhoe.
Joined the exhibition in Whakatū Nelson in February 2020.

Speaking with a wisdom that only comes from experience, she openly tells us what it was like growing up in New Zealand’s welfare system; stories she hopes will open up conversations on topics that must be addressed.

Despite her painful childhood, Janice came out of it undeniably strong. And her zest for life and the love she has for herself, her daughters and her people make her story even more inspiring.

Warning: This sound portrait touches on sensitive subjects that some people may find uneasy.

Her powerful words are woven together with real-life recordings captured by Janice herself and Loren Pasquier.

Follow the exhibition’s journey here:

PHOTO PORTRAIT DESCRIPTION

Janice has short grey hair styled in soft waves up and away from her face. Her lips are pursed together, eyes slightly narrowed as if she’s about to smile.

Her dark pink earrings look like tiny round woven kete or flax baskets and she wears a dark green manaia style pounamu at her neck over a light round-necked cream short sleeved blouse. Her background looks like curtains of bronze and black swirled fabric.

Nelson Exhibition February 2020

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