In Te Atarau: Shadow, Light, Reflection, Hīria Anderson-Mita (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Apakura, Ngāti Rereahu) turns her attention to her physical surroundings, the gentle moments, and familiar corners that shape daily life of her whanau. Through the shifting play of light and shadow, these ordinary scenes are transformed into reverie of contemplative spaces where memories reside and a sense of belonging can be relaxed into.
Rather than relying on grand narratives, Anderson-Mita tracks the relationship between people and place through subtle traces and memories left in shopfronts, empty streets, and glass reflections. By rendering the intimacy of home and everyday rituals, such as continuing to greet the new owner of Michael’s Milk Bar with a friendly "Ata mārie Michael", she captures both quiet routines and memorable family milestones.
Ultimately, her work invites viewers to slow down, look closer, and acknowledge the enduring presence hidden within the familiar.
