Controversial Flag Exhibition Invites Public Engagement in Hastings

The Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga Hastings Art Gallery in Hastings has sparked debate with an exhibition that invites visitors to walk on a New Zealand flag. This installation, titled Flagging the Future and created by Māori artist Diane Prince, has drawn mixed reactions, including strong criticism from a local councillor who stated that the concept “feels so wrong.”

The exhibition, which aims to encourage public engagement with the artwork, features a New Zealand flag laid flat on the gallery floor. Accompanying this provocative element are various works by Prince, including weaving, drawings, paintings, multimedia installations, and sculptures that span several decades. The Hastings District Council owns the gallery, which is committed to presenting challenging and thought-provoking art.

Earlier this year, Prince’s installation faced significant backlash when it was displayed at the Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū in Nelson. The gallery removed the work following concerns regarding staff safety, citing instances of abuse and complaints from visitors. This history adds another layer of complexity to the current exhibition in Hastings.

Public Reaction and Controversy

The decision to exhibit the New Zealand flag in this manner has incited a lively discussion within the Hastings community. Some attendees have expressed support for the exhibition, viewing it as a bold statement about national identity and cultural expression. Others, however, echo the sentiments of Hastings councillor, Simon Nixon, who criticized the installation, arguing that walking on the flag disrespects its significance.

In an effort to clarify the intent behind the exhibition, Prince explained that her work is meant to provoke thought and dialogue about national symbols and their meanings. “Art should challenge us and encourage conversations,” she stated, highlighting her desire for viewers to engage with the piece critically rather than passively.

The gallery has stood firmly by its decision to host the exhibition, asserting that it aligns with their mission to provide a platform for innovative and sometimes controversial art. The ongoing dialogue surrounding the installation reflects broader societal discussions about respect, identity, and the role of public art in challenging norms.

Future of the Installation

As the exhibition continues at the Hastings Art Gallery, it remains to be seen how the public will react in the coming weeks. The gallery plans to host discussions and workshops aimed at fostering an understanding of the themes presented in Prince’s work, hoping to bridge divides and encourage constructive conversations.

With the exhibition open to the public, the Hastings Art Gallery invites everyone to experience Flagging the Future firsthand. The gallery’s commitment to presenting diverse artistic voices, even those that may provoke discomfort, underscores its role as a cultural hub in the region.