Daegan Wells Exhibition Review | Gus Fisher Gallery

I walked into an old-fashioned vestibule, where Daegan Wells' press release was. Wells’ story began with his discovery of an Adze. He took the tool to a local iwi for advice on what to do. Later, he had an unexpected encounter with an elder from Ōraka-Aparima, who blessed the Toki (Adze) with a Karakia. Since then, the repatriation of this Taonga has led to Wells’ dedication to understanding the origins of the place he calls home.

While I waited, I explored the naturally lit ample display room. It displayed his wool works on benches with wheels. On the right side of the wall, from the entrance perspective, you could see a large Hyde mat he laboriously loomed, containing a crosshatch pattern with circles in between the squares. To my left, near the corner of the room, I stood watching a projected film of his artistic process on his partner’s family farm near Riverton, just north of Stewart Island. The short film really encapsulated the concept of ‘Because of where I live’; from the shearing, carving, washing of wool to the exploration of old cottages. Once his presentation began, his friends and art enthusiasts gathered around.

Wells, in my opinion, is a soft-spoken man, despite the hard work he does. He is very focused on the surrounding environment of his creations rather than their artistic merit. This is not to say they are not beautiful, they are, rather it is to state, and I paraphrase, ‘exploring the politics of wool’. As well as exploring his contrasting ways to the locals’ rich history, while embracing them, wearing clothes made from the farm’s sheep, during this presentation. Overall, I loved his explanation of the art, and I am sure you will find it fascinating as well.

Open dates are from; 6^th June – 30^th August 2025

Tuesdays to Fridays; 10 am – 5 pm

Saturdays, 10 am – 4 pm

 At 74 Shortland Street

More Info can be found here