A Southland visitor’s perspective of the region will be on display in the form of a series of artworks for the latest exhibition at He Waka Tuia.

Auckland-based artist Nour Hassan was awarded the Southland Art Foundation’s William Hodges Fellowship for 2024 and has spent the better part of the year being inspired by all things Southland.

As a result, Hassan was able to create 12 works that reflect her experiences during her time in the deep south. These pieces will be on display at an exhibition called Ephemeral at He Waka Tuia from 23 November.

Southland Art Foundation chair Alison Broad said it was exciting having the work done during Hassan’s residency culminating in an exhibition.

“Nour has extensive global experience in her art practice but had never been to Southland before her residency. She has really embraced her time here, speaking to Southlanders and trying new things. All of this is reflected in the drawings and paintings on display.”

Three of the artworks have been donated to the Southland Art Foundation collection and the rest of the exhibition are for sale during the exhibition.

Hassan was one of 17 applicants nationwide and was the unanimous first pick of the Foundation.

“Nour has been an impressively hardworking, enthusiastic, and productive resident artist. Her work resulting from the residency illustrates the calibre she was selected for.”

Many Southland organisations and businesses supported the Fellowship this year, with the Southern Institute of Technology providing Hassan’s accommodation as well as collegial and materials support, and Arts Murihiku providing a studio workspace.

Running alongside Ephemeral is a selection of the Southland Art Foundation collection that reflects various artistic interpretations of Southland in an exhibition called Resonance.

He Waka Tuia Senior Curator Exhibitions Gemma McDonald said the Invercargill Public Art Gallery, He Waka Tuia, and Southland Art Foundation had been working together for some time and each year its collaboration was getting stronger.

“We have a collaborative focus for the exhibition and we are really leaning into that.

“It’s great to be able to show Southland from a completely fresh point of view, to experience it from the perspective of someone who is seeing it for the very first time.”

Hassan will also be hosting a life drawing class, as well as exhibitions. There are limited places available, and booking is essential by emailing hello@hewakatuia.nz.

Ephemeral and Resonance will run at He Waka Tuia, 42 Kelvin St, from 23 November – 19 January.