Déjà Vu

For years, I’ve carried thoughts and concerns about our collective experiences with making art. As a Playcentre teacher, I was enchanted by the freedom and joy children found in expressing themselves before they had words—through their marks, their voracious curiosity, and their delight in experimenting and problem-solving. 

As a museum educator I saw some children confidently make art, pushing their comfort zones and stretching their imaginations. Yet others were beginning to withdraw, shutting down this creative part of themselves when their efforts were judged as falling short—by themselves or others. A divide emerged: children came to see themselves as either “arty” or “not arty.”

As a child, I was told I wasn’t “arty.” I believed that only a select few could make art—and those people were the special ones. I know the impact this belief had on me, and I see it in parents or teachers today when they confess they’re “not arty.” I silently mourn the opportunities we’ve all missed.

As a mother and an aunty, I’ve witnessed the journey of creativity up close: from the gorgeous marks of toddlers, to the bold compositions of teenagers, to the intricate and refined work of adults. Watching this evolution has taught me an invaluable lesson: when someone is interested and invests the time, we are all capable of being “arty.”

Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” So why do we continue to judge children’s artistic voices in ways that stunt the growth of this critical part of their self-expression? Why do unreasonable expectations and faulty comparisons persist? And why does the attitude prevail that art must look a certain way?

As curator of the Whānau Gallery, I wrestle with these questions. How can we nurture children’s creativity so they grow into adults capable of expressing themselves in as many ways as possible? It’s a concept I long found elusive—until one day, as I sat with images of my favourite works from the DPAG collection, I noticed something remarkable. Two paintings, lying side by side, were addressing similar themes. They were unmistakably different, yet equally compelling. And that’s how Déjà Vu, the Whānau Gallery’s newest show, was born. 

Déjà Vu invites viewers to experience the sensation of déjà vu by showcasing artworks from the DPAG collection in carefully paired themes. These pairings encourage us to move beyond the instinct to favour one work over another, instead prompting a deeper exploration of the unique qualities each piece offers. The exhibition celebrates how every artist brings their perspective, style, and emotion to their work, creating something entirely their own.

Though these artworks contain no words, they can be read like a book.
Each idea is a treasure.
Every work holds equal measure.
There’s more than one way to make art—
All it takes is curiosity, bravery, and a big heart.

Déjà Vu is both a challenge and a celebration. I hope you enjoy the exhibit and feel inspired to create your own art this summer.