Opening Thursday 5th November in the Front Room, 13 Marine Parade, Queenstown. Open daily from 11am – 5pm, until 20th November 2025.
Fiona Kerr Gedson – Artist Story
Whilst in Lisbon last year I was captivated by the exquisite buildings clad entirely of ceramic tiles. I was there to attend an international Systemic Constellation conference. The similarity between the repetition of the tiles and the principles of Family Constellations became apparent to me - during a Constellation, repeating patterns are explored within a whānau system.
Back home, when it came time to develop the ideas for these pieces, I discovered that they also included our culture here in Aotearoa: an influence of tāniko and tukutuku patterns emerged. This makes sense to me as another core principle of Family Constellations is inclusion. These patterns tell the story of whakapapa.
Pattern has long been a strong component of my mahi, therefore these repeating patterns are a natural progression. However, the multi-dimensionality of these pieces and the optical illusions that have arisen were a delightful surprise. My wish is for these pieces to raise the awareness of Family Constellations and the profound healing it brings to a whānau system, all the while highlighting the inherent beauty of feathers.
Ngā mihi nui
Fi
Fiona Kerr Gedson – Exhibition Q&A’S
• Who or what inspires your work?
Living my life inspires my mahi. Interpreting my experiences through my art helps to
deepen my understanding of the way they influence me. There is an internal
integration of the experiences that happens with the reflection that is required to
create the work.
• What do you think draws collectors to your art?
Initially the composition and colour intrigue people, then the inherent beauty of the
feathers captures them, the delight of which is often only realised upon closer
inspection.
• Can you talk us through your creative process?
In simple terms, I glue feathers into patterns. However, the process starts by taking a
developed concept and drawing it onto a board - many lines are involved! The
layering of feathers may be intuitive or predetermined depending on the piece. I
have developed an intimate relationship with feathers over the years and each
piece becomes a foundation for future work. Unlike a painter who may be unsure
when a painting is complete, it is clear to me - the surface is covered, though more
recently I have added details with fine lines of feathers.
• Can you tell us about your success as an artist and a career highlight?
I consider my success to be reflected in the quality relationships and connections
that have developed through my mahi. I recently enjoyed having a conversation for
the Creative Connections podcast and a highlight that remains was being the only
artist to have work commissioned for Ockham Residential's 'The Greenhouse', a new
high-end residential apartment build. Four large scale works were created to adorn
the elevator walls and another two pieces hang in the foyer. It's an honour to have
my work in this monumental new building in Auckland's cityscape.
• What can people look forward to in this upcoming show?
This series takes the patterns my work has always comprised of and has stepped
them up into new dimensions with optical illusions I hope this Whakapapa series
inspires viewers to consider a sense of belonging to their whānau and that it raises
awareness of the profound healing benefits of Family Constellations to create ease
in those whānau systems.