Ramat Kor Kur - Ainu Embroidery Workshop

Come learn to embroider coasters with Ainu designs taught by award winning Ainu artist Akemi Shimada.

To coincide with the exhibition: Ramat Kor Kur - Contemporary Art from the Ainu people of Japan, at Te Auaha Gallery from Wednesday 24 - Monday 29 January 2024, we are hosting a workshop embroidering traditional Ainu motifs.

All materials and snacks provided.

Ramat Kor Kur is the first exhibition of Ainu art to come to Aotearoa and includes the work of four Ainu artists: Akemi Shimada, Koji Yuki, Sayo Ogasawara and Atsushi Monbetsu.

“Ainu” meaning human, distinguishes the Ainu people from kamui or divine beings which they believe reside in all natural objects. Formally and legally recognised as an indigenous people of Japan in 2019, the Ainu have their own distinct language and culture - reflected in place names throughout Northern Japan including Hokkaido.

Showcasing a range of contemporary art from embroidery to carvings, Ramat Kor Kur celebrates Ainu culture while highlighting the special relationship between Ainu and Māori with documentation of the Aotearoa Ainu Mosir Exchange Program by Japanese photographer Yasuhiro Iguchi.

The exhibition coincides with an important milestone in Ainu-Māori relations. It marks 100 years since the 1924 world tour of Ratana founder, Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana, during which he befriended Japan's Bishop Juji Nakata of His Holiness Church.

Special thanks to:
Asia NZ Foundation
Wellington City Council

Te Auaha Gallery
Te Papa Tongarewa

Embassy of Japan
Aotearoa Ainumosir Exchange Programme
Shared Lines Trust