ALL MY FRIENDS: Niu Gold Mountain
05.04.2023 at Studio One Toi Tū
The Migrant Diaspora is defined by the narrative of ‘the search for a better life’, an experience shared by Chinese and Pasifika immigrants to Aotearoa, New Zealand in the 1860s and 1960s. The title of Niu Gold Mountain brings these two histories together, Chinese migrants sought their "New Gum San" or "New Gold Mountain" in the gold mines, while Pasifika immigrants searched for the "Land of Milk & Honey."
All My Friends explores these concepts in the present day, working with an array of artists from different backgrounds and creative practices in Tāmaki Makaurau. What are the aspirations of this generation's Asian and Pasifika artists? What do they see as their New Gold Mountain? Their creative responses to these questions form the four-part video art series Niu Gold Mountain.
All photos credited to Abigail Dell'Avo
ALL MY FRIENDS made space for all on the opening night of their exhibition Niu Gold Mountain.
Lounging on the corner of Karangahape Road, Studio One Toi Tū quickly packed out with a colourful crowd from all walks - a real glimpse into Tāmaki’s underground & overground diversity with beautiful people showing up and showing out. Everyone looked fucking rad. It seems like ‘representation’ is the cultural buzzword these days - and let’s be honest it can feel hella weird and contrived when not understood in its nuances and delivered correctly - but here with AMF it felt rich and natural.
10 screens in total, 4 in the centre and 4 in the corridor space, showed music videos from 4 AMF artists, while the remaining 2 screens on the surrounding walls gave a glimpse into the filming process. Occupying one of the walls too was a large family photo portrait by Sherridan Kanavatoa of the AMF Whānau: Darryl Chin, Yin-Chi Lee, Suren Unka, Gwen Lin, Lara Chuo, Casey Yeoh, Luke Park, Chris Antonio, Hailee Tamore, Ray Leslie, Tyrun, Auto Angel, Cypris Afakasi.
The energy in the air was excited and curious; everyone half-knew everyone, it seemed, probably through social media, and the room felt absorbed in a shared, unspoken understanding - a warm feeling surely linked to a shared connection to the Aotearoa diaspora narrative. For me, it was ultimately a celebration of community: how diverse and supportive communities can allow creativity and expression to thrive and how, in turn, that helps cultivate more meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging. It’s something we all need, maybe more so than ever right now.
Afterwards, I went to a gig where high school bands (whom my friend has been mentoring) were playing. It was a young crowd full of raw, excited and angsty energy - and it struck me that that’s what it’s all about: wherever we are on our creative paths, it’s always about cultivating that initial excitement and playful spirit, never letting our connection to creativity grow tired or predictable, and allowing that to inform our work. To be amongst people who do that is good energy - giving and receiving - and AMF held space for that singular mahi to continue with a touch more inspiration.
■
Niu Gold Mountain will be open from 6 April - 4 May at Studio One Toi Tū, 238 Karangahape Road. Check out more about Niu Gold Mountain here!