A selection of curated art acquisitions from the past five years is being shown alongside powerful portraits of LGBTQ+ community members in the latest dual exhibition opening at He Waka Tuia this weekend.

Opening publicly on Saturday, Setting the Table is an exhibition by Dunedin artist John Z Robinson showcasing the importance of the LGBTQ+ community’s voices and visibility for the protection of basic human rights for everyone.

He Waka Tuia manager Sarah Brown said this exhibition was a second instalment following Adrienne Martyn’s 2023 exhibition Seen/Scene, featuring photographic portraits of the Southland LGBTQ+ community.

“It’s interesting to see how different artists take on the project. It’s a similar theme but a completely different show,” Brown said.

The exhibition features 21 portraits of LGBTQ+ people with a connection to Murihiku, created from brush, pencil, and torn and scissored coloured paper, each with a personal effect that is meaningful to them.

Beginning at the same time is Handpicked, an exhibition celebrating five years of new acquisitions for the Invercargill Public Art Gallery collection.

Items included in this include those on long-term loan, gifts, bequested and purchased pieces.

“It’s amazing to see some of what has been acquired in the last few years all in one place. Each of these pieces has been handpicked with care and intention that reflect the people, stories and artistic voices of Murihiku and Aotearoa.

“This exhibition gives a behind-the-scenes look at how a public collection grows.”

Handpicked runs until 15 June and Setting the Table is on until 22 June at He Waka Tuia, 42 Kelvin St, Invercargill. For more information about what other events are happening during the exhibition, visit the He Waka Tuia Facebook page.