Boro is one of the most captivating art exhibitions ever presented by Morrinsville Gallery

Experience Boro – Timeworn Textiles of Japan from the Collection of Pip Steel

-Boro is one of the most captivating art exhibitions ever presented by Morrinsville Gallery, on view from 24 September to 7 December 2025

-Boro also marks our 15th anniversary—a bold tribute to creativity, heritage, and community spirit. Come celebrate with us!

The Morrinsville Gallery family is proud to present its most ambitious art show of the year: Boro – Timeworn Textiles of Japan, running from 24 September to 7 December 2025. This exhibition of international quality marks the Morrinsville Gallery’s 15th anniversary and offers a vibrant celebration of art, resilience, and heritage with our community.

Curated by Pip Steel, the private collector behind this remarkable body of work, Boro – Timeworn Textiles of Japan is a visually compelling and culturally rich exhibition that explores the beauty, history, and ingenuity of Japanese textile traditions. The exhibition features hand-stitched and layered textiles originally crafted by rural Japanese communities as a way to preserve garments across generations.

“Boro” translates to “rags” or “tattered cloth” in Japanese and these textiles speak powerfully to themes of resilience, sustainability and creativity in the face of hardship. Using a simple running stitch known as sashiko, these pieces have been repaired, patched, and stitched by hand in an ongoing process of improvised mending. With their rich textures, patchwork forms, and subtle colour palettes, the works blur the line between historical artefact and contemporary art.

Following acclaimed showings at Pātaka in Porirua, Te Manawa in Manawatū – Palmerston North, and Aratoi in Masterton, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity for local audiences to engage with a globally significant cultural narrative. The show will be accompanied by a series of public programmes, including artist talks and workshops led by Pip Steel.

We are thrilled to present Boro – Timeworn Textiles of Japan, a visually compelling and culturally rich exhibition that highlights the beauty, history, and ingenuity of Japanese textile traditions. We have high expectations for its broad appeal, which we believe will attract visitors from across the motu and ultimately benefit the entire Mighty Waikato region during these challenging times. The rural origins of Boro offer a remarkable opportunity to reflect on and connect with our own incredible local farming community, embracing shared values of sustainability, resilience, and care.

The Morrinsville Art Gallery Charitable Trust extends its deepest gratitude to the many individuals and organisations who have helped bring this exhibition to life. From the creative vision of artists Pip Steel and Susie Pascoe to the generous support of The Arts House Trust, Matamata-Piako District Council via Pride of Place, Tis the Season, The Ribbon Rose, Red Star Signs, Elizabeth Borrows, our dedicated volunteers and fundraising committee, Morrinsville College, and the Morrinsville Museum—this has been a true community effort. 

Each contribution has played a vital role in making this exhibition not only possible, but truly meaningful. We are proud to celebrate the spirit of collaboration that continues to enrich our gallery and our community.

 About the Morrinsville Art Gallery Charitable Trust
The Morrinsville Art Gallery Charitable Trust is proud to celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2025 as the heart of community art in the Matamata-Piako District. We are dedicated to creating a welcoming and vibrant space for both locals and visitors in Morrinsville and throughout the Waikato region. As a non-profit organization, we rely entirely on the support of our community. Our work would not be possible without the contributions of donors, volunteers, and community members.

We are open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and on weekends from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The gallery is closed on Mondays. Entry is by koha/donation, and your support is deeply appreciated.

 For more information, please contact Gina Barreto and Elizabeth Borrows at info@morrinsvillegallery.org.nz.