Te Kete Wānaka
Learning, Teaching and Library
Academic Video Series
Working with the Education Media team, we have created a series of videos showcasing academics discussing the artworks which move them.
John Marris, Senior Research Officer in the Department of Pest Management and Conservation, offers an insightful and personal perspective on Richard Killeen's Black Collection, 1976.
This artwork, acquired by Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki | Lincoln University Art Collection in 2016, is currently situated in our new Waimarie building. The piece features a variety of fascinating creatures, many of which are closely studied and admired by our staff and students.
Jacky Bowring, Professor of Landscape Architecture, provides a thoughtful and personal reflection on Graham Bennett’s Oversight, a sculpture created during his time as the School of Landscape Architecture (SOLA) sculptor-in-residence in 2013.
Oversight embodies Bennett’s exploration of global environmental challenges, engaging deeply with our evolving relationship with the land - past, present, and future. This theme resonates strongly with the mission of Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki | Lincoln University, where the interconnectedness of land and people is at the heart of its teaching and research.
Associate Professor Hamish Rennie from the Department of Environmental Management reflects on the significance of Joanna Braithwaite's 'NZ Still Life' an artwork that examines the power imbalance between humans and animals.
Hamish discusses how this piece aligns with his own teachings, particularly in the fields of planning and environmental management. He details the ways in which the artwork influences critical thinking among his students, encouraging them to reflect on ethical considerations, human impact on ecosystems, and the broader implications of power structures in environmental decision-making.
Professor Anita Wreford from the Department of Tourism, Sport and Society reflects on the significance of William Sutton’s 'Plantation Series XVIII', a treasured work of the Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University Art Collection.
Created between 1986 and 1988, the 'Plantation Series' captures Sutton’s response to the changing Canterbury landscape. Though he resented the spread of Pinus radiata across the plains, his fascination with pattern and composition led to a series that has become emblematic of the region. Anita connects this work to her own research in climate change and deforestation, highlighting how shifts in land use and environment continue to shape both our landscapes and our lives.
Professor Hirini Matunga from the Department of Environmental Management reflects on the significance of John Bevan Ford’s 'Kaitiaki Figure', a guardian overseeing the treasures of the University Library and welcoming all who enter.