Poutokomanawa: The Carmen Rupe Generation - interviews

The recording provides a series of interviews held during the opening of the "Poutokomanawa: The Carmen Rupe Generation" exhibition at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery in Wellington. The exhibition, which runs from 20 September to 15 December 2019, celebrates the pivotal role of Carmen Rupe, a figure significant to the transgender community, and the associated generation’s impact on the community's development. This generation served as a foundation for future progression in rights and recognition.

The gallery recently acquired a Carmen Rupe portrait from artist Nicolette Page, prompting collaboration with the transgender community to create an exhibition that honors this influence. Chanel Hati and Taupuruariki Brightwell guided the exhibition's concept, which was named ‘Manu,’ symbolizing a celebration of transgender pioneers. Personnel from the community stepped in to support the exhibition with research, planning, and curation, ensuring that the language and representation were appropriate and respectful of the community's evolution over time.

Objects on display included a portrait of Carmen Rupe, personal memorabilia loaned from Te Papa museum, and various artifacts highlighting the life and times of Carmen. The exhibition not only features Rupe's heritage but also extends to other influential individuals like Georgina Beyer, Chrissy Witoko, and Jackie Grant, among others. These figures are credited with establishing safe havens and playing a part in significant reforms for the community.

Additionally, the exhibition underscores the changes in the community over the decades through artifacts, such as photo montages from Te Papa, featuring a myriad of personalities across different eras. Contemporary pieces by artists like Sam Orchard and Jack Love bring the conversation into present day, examining ongoing struggles and the path forward.

Interviewees reflected on the impact of the exhibition, expressing how it evoked nostalgia and honored the strong bonds and support among community members of past generations. There was also an acknowledgement of how the safe spaces once provided by icons like Carmen Rupe have evolved and continue to be crucial today for the transgender community.

Interviewed individuals anticipated that visitors would gain an appreciation for the community's rich history and the legacy of those who paved the way for the freedoms enjoyed today. The exhibition title ‘Manu,’ which refers to the central pillar in a house, symbolizes those iconic figures as the structure that has upheld and protected the community over time.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Chanel Hati Georgie Keyse Kay'la Riarn Malcolm Kennedy-Vaughan Talei Langley Will Hansen

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