Crochet extraordinaires Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole are among THE most exciting contemporary visual artists in Aotearoa right now with their ngā toi celebrating cultural heritage through captivating storytelling and artistic innovation. We are immensely proud to host the debut of their new large-scale project, Waka of Dreams.

Created in collaboration with friend and multi-disciplinary artist Hollie Tawhiao (Ngāti Tiipa), the special commission work Waka Of Dreams | Punanga Pohewa: The Dream Sanctuary will be unveiled at the Refinery ArtSpace, inviting us all onto a journey of exploring whakapapa and dreams, weaving cultural narratives that resonate with universal truths.

Most known for their vibrant, crochet-based artworks and installations that merge traditional Māori toi (art) with contemporary expressions, Lissy (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Kahu) and Rudi (Ngaruahine, Te Arawa, Ngāti Pāoa, Waikato ki Ta) Robinson-Cole continue to captivate audiences, and have gained international attention with their largest work to date, Wharenui Harikoa.

The Waka of Dreams will be accompanied by an exhibition of Lissy and Rudi’s beautiful crochet and light-based sculptures, taking over the gallery space with a vibrant fusion of Māori art and contemporary craft.
This exhibition not only highlights individual craftsmanship but also celebrates the power of collaboration in pushing the boundaries of indigenous art forms, and we are absolutely thrilled to present Lissy and Rudi’s work in Te Waipounamou (South Island) for the first time.