Night Lights 23-25 June, 6-9pm. Auckland’s Museum of Transport and Technology is celebrating Matariki in radiant style with a spectacular illumination event, Night Lights,
Artistic works include an interactive ‘lotus pond’ floor projection by visionary content specialists, Dotdot as well as a ‘dream sequence’ projection from Daniel James whose eclectic work transverses performance, video, audio and web-based media.
Husband and wife duo, Warren and Virginia Warbrick of Toi Warbrick explore the cultural and historical significance behind the stars of the national flag through Maori musical instruments, performance and moving image. Multi-disciplinary artist Craig Neilson has created a fascinating zoetrope style animation wheel and experimental digital technologist, Matthew Martin presents a playful ‘colour chamber’ containing a world of infinite possibilities. Then contemporary New Zealand artist, Larisse Hall, invites guests to walk amongst the seven stars of Matariki in her interactive light installation inspired by the Maori New Year.
These installations will be complemented by light activations such as a dazzling tunnel of light by La Lumiere, projection mapping, heritage trams festooned with fairy lights and floodlit heritage buildings. Lustrous, an enchanting art installation created by a group of architecture students from UNITEC using recycled materials to give waste a new lease on life, is bound to be a major attraction.
Apart from trying their hand at illuminated poi and hula hooping, guests will also have the opportunity to experience the award-winning interactive exhibition, Sunlight - Ihi Komaru, which is brand new to MOTAT and tells the fascinating science-based story of sunlight.
Live performances by the SaintzUp Performing Arts Trust, a harlequin stilt walker and the Puha & Pakeha food truck serving delicious Maori food with a modern twist, add to the festive family fun.
Pricing: $18 + booking fee for an individual adult, $10 + booking fee for an individual concession (student with valid ID, child 5-16 years and SuperGold card holders)
MOTAT, 805 Great North Road, Western Springs, www.motat.org.nz