Join Pepa for an intimate conversation as she reflects on her unique 360 o life journey from Spain to New Zealand through 25 years

23, 24, 25…Life U-Turns…Fate?

My 360-degree journey as a conversation starter

Pepa Torre

4-28 March 2025

Opening event: Sunday 9 March from 11 am to 1 pm

 🎨🖌Community Gallery at Morrinsvislle Gallery

Director’s Statement

Photographer. Dancer. Singer. Connector. Immigrant. Radio Host. Spanish-kiwi. People lover. Story-teller. Flamenco enthusiast… and much more.  Meet the talented artist Pepa Torre and get ready to be provoked by her multimedia installation, 23, 24, 25…Life U-Turns…Fate? Dive into the immersive photo cube experience, for the first time ever.

You are invited to join Pepa for an intimate conversation as she reflects on her unique 360o life journey from Spain to New Zealand, through 25 years of exploring through time and generations. Pepa explains  “I believe in our individual multi-uniqueness which interconnects with each other’s personal multi-uniqueness’s. In this project, I dare to demonstrate that digging into our many definitions of self, we will always find something in common with any other person in the room. I believe that deep inside it all, our main human seeds are very similar to each other’s”.

The artist’s immersive cube explores identity, culture, social and personal transformation, and questions what really matters, step inside a multi-media 3D collage, one of her favourite story-telling techniques. In 23, 24, 25…Life U-Turns…Fate? Pepa examines themes central to our multicultural community, going an extra step by questioning the public about their own lives and thoughts. She invites all visitors to connect and share their views and thoughts, considering the challenges – in the artists own words – “of being from here and from there and still not from here nor from there”.

This exhibition has been passionately curated by Pepa Torre with the help of Morrinsville Gallery curator Elizabeth Borrows and supported by the MPDC Creative Scheme.

Artist Statement

A Spanish born artist, my grandparents lived a civil war (each of them belonging to different political parties). Cadiz, my town, was house to the first liberal constitution signed. They named that important document “La Pepa”.

From a family of medical professionals and lawyers, my artistic side was often attempted to be put aside but was too strong to be dismissed and I grew up learning to not apologise for choosing creativity as my way to be.

Recipient of a national photography award and other titles (master’s in photography), I became a professional photographer, afraid of being ripped-off my story-telling essence.

My interests in people, human rights and finding the whys of the world have been my biggest drivers. I use art to investigate and share my ideas with understanding humans a continuous theme. Understanding my own self first, is the most direct route; an eternal conflict of love-hate for tradition; how I negotiate mixed-race’s dilemmas and raise children that correct me in the language I taught them.

Immigrants’ lives are full of challenges, but I believe in the positive power of diversity, and so I find any opportunity to celebrate it.

There is an idea that has taken over all others: “what is the same and different at the same time”. Humans, countries, the sky, bodies, hair, cheese… there is a core that gets covered by different shapes yet in the end, the essence never changes. That is who we are, over space, skin colour and generations. The hearts of all people are pure and simple before they may get contaminated. What we do with it takes us to places A or B. The beauty is that wherever we are we can always do a U-turn.

🎯Explore the rich narratives showcased in these diverse art exhibitions and take the chance to connect with our talented local artists.

Admission is free, and your generous contributions are appreciated.

Come and experience a blend of art and imagination! We look forward to seeing you there!

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The Morrinsville Art Gallery Charitable Trust celebrates its 15th Anniversary this year as the proud heart of community art in the Matamata-Piako District!

We work passionately to create a welcoming and vibrant space for both locals and visitors in Morrinsville and throughout the beautiful Waikato Region.

As a charitable trust, our small team includes a director and a curator-gallery assistant, supported by approximately 35 amazing volunteers, many of whom have been with us for over 10 years. Our dedicated board of directors provides invaluable guidance as we plan for the future. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates local and national artists from various multicultural backgrounds. With a diverse array of exhibitions and events, we aim to inspire and connect with our community through the magic of art, creativity, and culture.

Our mission is to inspire everyone who visits our continuously evolving exhibitions. We proudly support the creative community, organizations, and schools with whom we collaborate.

We are continually seeking new ways to engage and grow together. Please contact us at info@morrinsvillegallery.org.nz.

Morrinsville is such a lively and creative hub for art and culture in our district and the Waikato Region, and we’re truly excited to be part of it all! Visit us and experience the wonderful power of celebrating our creative community!

Thank you so much for your support during the last 15 years. We could not have made it without your generous contribution.