Cultural icon
The joyful and vibrant Wharenui Harikoa, made from 5,000 balls of brightly-coloured yarn and crocheted by hand, has been wowing audiences across Aotearoa. Now Christchurch audiences can experience this unique fusion of traditional whakairo (carving) patterns and neon wool.
Artists Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole spent three years making Wharenui Harikoa, which translates to House of Joy. The monumental task of creating this neon-coloured wharenui began with a simple crochet hook and a clutch of eye-catching yarn.
Lissy and Rudi say the wharenui often sparks an emotional reaction.
“The number of tears and emotions people have when they are face-to-face with our work. There is something that is much bigger than us that is happening. It is an expression of love.
“It is the wool and the softness of the wool that draws people back to their past memories. There is that connection of memories of a nana or family member who has knitted something,” says Lissy.
Rudi says they hope to tour the world with the wharenui. They are talking to institutions in Europe and the USA about future exhibitions.
“We have always had a global vision. It is about our tīpuna-inspired light blooming across the sky like a rainbow. We know the whare will go everywhere and will go where it wants to go. It has its own life force.”
For Lissy and Rudi, the wharenui is more than just an art installation – it’s a manifestation of their dreams, identity, and the love they have for each other and their people.
“This project is a tribute to our tīpuna (ancestors), a celebration of our culture, and a testament to the healing power of art.
“The wharenui embodies our vision of manifesting intergenerational healing and deeply felt joy.
“We aim to connect cultures, heal hearts, and spread joy – one loop, one stitch, one community at a time.”
Wharenui Harikoa opens on 7 December at the Canterbury Museum pop-up, 66 Gloucester Street. Free entry; donations appreciated.