The Thrum of the Tide, 2021

The Thrum of the Tide

Jenny Gillam & Eugene Hansen

Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery

20 February — 6 June 2021

The resulting artwork from an Auckland Regional Parks Artist Residency in late 2019, observes the pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial histories of Te Ana Ru, the largest of eight sea caves at Whatipū.

In the late 19th century, Te Ana Ru became known as the ballroom cave, hosting Saturday night dances for kauri mill workers and early settlers. A kauri dance floor was installed in the cave, which could be hoisted to the ceiling between dances to protect it from the incoming tide. Many believe this floor is still in the cave, buried under five metres of sand.

The exhibition includes a soundscape, recorded in Te Ana Ru, of subterranean seismic vibrations and taonga pūoro, which emits from under a re-cycled kauri dance floor. Soft rumbles can be felt as you walk on the floor.

Taonga pūoro by Riki Bennett (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Te Arawa, Ngāti Porou)

The history of the cave and the process of searching for the original dance floor is discussed in the accompanying risograph publication, Te Ana Ru.

Radio New Zealand interview with Lynn Freeman

Related Events:

Saturday 27 March 2021 Musician, Kingsley Spargo responds to The thrum of the tide, in association with Titirangi Festival of Music.

Friday 9 April at 6.30pm 2021 New Moon Folk Ball in association with Auckland Arts Festival.

Saturday 10 April at 4.30pm 2021 in association with Auckland Arts Festival, contemporary dancers Michael Parmenter and Claire O’Neil perform on the dancefloor. Pita Turei (Ngai Tai Ki Tamaki, Ngāti Pāoa, Ngā Rauru Kiitahi) told the story of dancer, Rangimārie, and Sir Bob Harvey spoke of his recollections of Te Ana Ru.