Pride Lecture with Rosanna Raymond

Sistar S’pacific aka Rosanna Raymond MNZM is an innovator in the contemporary Pasifika art scene. As a long-standing member of artist collective, the Pacific Sisters, and the founding member of the SaVĀge K’lub, Raymond’s mahi as a writer, poet, artist and performer has helped shape the landscape of and influenced commentary on contemporary Pacific Island culture in Aotearoa and internationally.

We are thrilled to have Raymond give the inaugural Pride lecture. It is particularly significant that this first Pride lecture is in memory of Ron Brownson (1952–2023) as Raymond attributes her entry into the art world to the encouragement she received from Brownson. ‘I would not have been an artist if it hadn’t been for Ron’s nurturing and mentorship.’ From Raymond’s first group exhibition Open Skies/ Divided Horizons (1997) to Pacific Sisters: He Toa Tāera | Fashion Activists (2019), Raymond and Brownson’s professional relationship and friendship spanned two decades.

Join us to hear about Raymond’s work, including performing and exhibiting in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada and Australia, and the journey that has informed her contribution.

This lecture includes images from The Eyeland Archives, a collection of over 1000 photos now in the collection of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.

There will be time for Q & A with Raymond during the lecture event and an informal cup of tea and light refreshments afterwards.

This event will be NZSL interpreted – we warmly welcome members of our Deaf Rainbow community.

The Pride lecture has been produced in partnership with Auckland Pride and is part of the 2024 Auckland Pride Festival. See the full programme at aucklandpride.org.nz