Top Floor Talks: Etanah Lalau-Talapa, Jess Dare, George Watson

Our Raumati Season brings the return of Top Floor Talks on Sat 5 Dec, 10.30–11.30am.

Enjoy a series of three conversations by exhibiting artists Etanah Lalau-Talapa, Jess Dare, and George Watson, alongside curator Laree Payne. 

This event is free to attend, with no registration required, although always welcomed. We encourage you to stay and listen to all three conversations throughout the morning. 

10.30–10.50am: Etanah Lalau-Talapa In Conversation
Located by Outdoor Billboard in Masonic Park
Etanah Lalau-Talapa is a multidisciplinary artist and curator of Afega and Sa'anapu heritage from Samoa. Etanah's practice spans public installation, digital art, mixed-media and a passion for nurturing community arts. Etanah's work often explores motherhood, family lineage and the lived experience of Pacific diaspora in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Please note, this talk will take place outdoors alongside the artwork(to the left of the main entrance). Enjoy a morning coffee and a pastry from Breadhead before settling in for the discussions. In case of wet weather, please bring an umbrella!

10.50–11.10am: Jess Dare In Conversation
Located in the Craigs Investment Partners Gallery
Jess Dare is based in Adelaide, Australia, on the traditional lands of the Kaurna people. The artist's practice draws on nature, botanical specimens and memory, using nature as a metaphor to explore the fragility and transience of memory. Flowers serve as a constant reminder of the ephemeral, ever-changing and precious nature of life. 

11.10–11.30am: George Watson In Conversation
Located in The Pitau Gallery
George Watson is an artist based in Tūranganui-a-Kiwa, with Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Mutunga whakapapa and Moriori hokopapa. In 2019, George completed the Maumaus Independent Study Programme in Lisbon, Portugal, and was an artist-in-residence at the McCahon House Artist Residency in 2024. George Watson is the recipient of the 2026 inaugural Jann Medlicott Award for Contemporary Art, administered by Toi Tauranga Art Gallery.

Image: Photo of Etanah Lalau-Talapa. Photo of Jess Dare, photography by Connor Patterson. Photo of George Watson, photography by Tink Lockett.