The Kilns Project, Elisabeth Vullings

The Kilns Project explores the relocation of two beehive pottery kilns, built in Te Horo, Kāpiti in the early 1970’s by acclaimed potter Mirek Smišek. The kilns were sited directly in line with the proposed PP2O Expressway and therefore scheduled for demolition. Although the kilns were not registered by Heritage New Zealand, they were deemed to have significant historical, cultural, and architectural value and were therefore carefully relocated and preserved.

This exhibition explores concepts of fragmentation, imprints and preservation through various art forms including ceramics, painting, and installation. The work will be exhibited together to give an overall sense of the site during the relocation process - which was a meticulous and labour intensive effort involving both professionals and passionate community members.