Ka Kukuti w/ Robyn Stewart: 16 October, 2026.

Robyn Stewart is a Tāmaki-based interdisciplinary artist, whose work explores the use of both found and crafted objects to produce these sculptural installations that seek to investigate the material histories of colonial objects. In her current exhibition with Tui Hirabayashi, Ka KuKuti on at Haumi E studios, Stewart presents a dynamic sculptural installation that continues in her material exploration. As you enter the gallery you are greeted by Stewart's first body of work, an arrangement of the all-in-one desks that one would typically recognise from early education, in particular early native schooling here in Aotearoa. Within the installation Stewart presents one original Kauri desk alongside a number of replications made from the highly industrialised material of plywood. Causing us to think about this idea of replication, amongst an education system that was itself imported. As you venture further into the gallery you are met with Stewart's second body of work, that almost acts as a veil within the space. Here, Stewart moves into an exploration of natural material. Presenting these hanging uku fabric sculptures, that offer a kind of sensitivity into the space compared to that of the rigid school desks. Asking us to contemplate their connectivity, friction, and juxtaposing qualities. Maya caught up with Robyn about the show as well as her overall practice.