This exhibition highlights the Kiwi way of life and my Peruvian roots. Like Aotearoa, Peru is a magical place of picturesque landscapes.

Fragments of Aotearoa and Peru: An ode to the two lands I love 

Francisca Edwards – Photographer

1 – 27 April 2025, Awatea Gallery
*Opening Event – Sunday 6th April 11am to 1pm  

This exhibition highlights the Kiwi way of life and my Peruvian roots.  Like Aotearoa,  Peru is a magical place of picturesque landscapes, cultural wonders, and rich heritage.

Artist Statement
An ode to the two lands I love, this exhibition depicts Aotearoa through the eyes of a Peruvian Kiwi.

I love exploring the world around me, discovering new places and adding my perspective as I capture and document inspirational moments through my camera.
As a photographer, I am captivated by the stunning New Zealand landscapes, the laid-back Kiwi attitude, and the cultural diversity of this country. Aotearoa has won my heart.

I am inspired by the Kiwi way of life and enjoy capturing that essence in images of everyday moments and places in New Zealand.

They are representations of how I see this country, from the amazing scenery to the down-to-earth people, and its many intricacies in a place I now consider my home. These images also highlight my Peruvian roots; like Aotearoa, Peru is a magical place of picturesque landscapes, cultural wonders, and rich heritage. I always believed that both cultures are interconnected in so many ways like for example their indigenous origins.

Most of the inspiration and images from Aotearoa took place in the Waikato region and the Peru ones in the Cusco area.

I see both worlds clearly and I move easily between them, I belong to both and sometimes I find myself in the spaces in between.  This exhibition expresses that feeling of exploring a new country – no longer an outsider – but now as someone who belongs.

Mental health issues can affect us all in different ways whether directly or indirectly (affecting family, friends, or loved ones), and not everyone has access to the resources and the support they need.  I want to contribute by donating 50% of my sales commission to the New Zealand Mental Health Foundation. It is important to raise awareness and help reduce the stigma around mental health so that no one will have to struggle alone.

Artist Background
Hola, my name is Francisca, and I came to Aotearoa 19 years ago. You may say I have been Kiwified, but my Peruvian roots run deep. As an immigrant I have embraced New Zealand ways while still maintaining my Latin American identity.  I love to eat a good Ceviche (Peru’s national dish) but long gone are the days when I could not stand the smell of Marmite; you can now catch me enjoying Marmite on toast. I celebrate Matariki rising in winter and Peru’s Independence Day every July 28th.

I say “sweet as” with my unshakable Latin accent and each December I gather with loved ones to observe the Hispanic tradition of eating 12 grapes to welcome the New Year.

My love for nature is a huge inspiration for my photography. It has also inspired me to help conservation initiatives such as the Pirongia Kōkako Project, where I supported efforts to protect the native kōkako and other taonga species.

Being part of the Waikato Hispano Latino community allows me to support and participate in cultural events that celebrate my Latin origins. It is also a way to feel connected to my first home – Peru, to celebrate and pass on that cultural gift to my son.

Throughout my life photography has been my all-time passion. I have a bachelor’s degree in communications science and majored in journalism. Back in Peru, I worked for the Press and Society Institute based in Lima. The institute promoted investigative journalism, freedom of expression and access of public information in Latin America. Here in New Zealand, I have used my journalistic skills as the editor of various newsletters in Fonterra telling the stories of people and bringing the human face of the company to the fore.

Join us for the Arts on Tuesday event on Tuesday 8th April, 10:30 am

 During the last 15 years, Morrinsville Gallery has celebrated the art and the people that make our community a vibrant place to live!

Join us on Tuesday, 8th April 2025, at 10:30 am as we are hosting our Arts on Tuesday – April event, with the lovely support of the Morrinsville Gallery Fundraising Committee.

Arts on Tuesday tickets are $10 for adults and $2 for children. Your contribution helps to create a better future for our local community, we appreciate it.  We do not charge entry for visiting our exhibitions; however, donations are deeply appreciated.

Morning tea and light refreshments will be available during the event.

Engage in the fascinating conversation with all the artists from the new exhibitions Perspective, Cogs of Life, and Fragments of Aotearoa and Peru.

About the Morrinsville Gallery  
The Morrinsville Art Gallery Charitable Trust proudly celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2025 as the heart of community art in the Matamata-Piako District. We are passionate about creating a welcoming and vibrant space for both locals and visitors in Morrinsville and throughout the beautiful Waikato region.

As a non-profit organization, we rely entirely on community support. Our efforts would not be possible without the help of the artists, donors, volunteers, and people like you. Thank you for being an integral part of our family and our story.

By supporting local and national artists through our diverse program of exhibitions and events, we aim to inspire and engage our community. Join us in this art journey and explore exciting collaboration possibilities.

Contact us with your exhibition proposals or projects at info@morrinsvillegallery.org.nz.  We look forward to hearing from you.