Ma 間
Guest Curator: Yuka O’Shannessy
26 June - 31 August
Ground Floor Galleries
Ma is an exploration of space, connection, and transformation, curated by Yuka O’Shannessy, Director of Public Record. The word Ma (間) is a Japanese concept often translated as "gap," "space," or "interval." It refers to the space that creates harmony between elements. In this exhibition, Ma is expressed as a series of intentional pauses, moments of tension, openness, and calm, that invite reflection and connection within an environment. Ma is not emptiness, but potential: it has the power to shift perception, evoke emotion, and inspire new ways of seeing.
Set within a calm, contemplative space, Ma invites viewers to slow down and engage with the rhythm between objects, ideas, and people. Featuring works that are finely crafted, and grounded in both heritage and personal expression, each piece offers moments of stillness and intimacy. The tranquil setting provides a sense of sanctuary where beauty becomes a conduit for reflection – and a reminder of the way art can impact our lives.
Ma was guided by pieces that resonated with Yuka O’Shannessy – from The Arts House Trust, Public Record and selected artists. The works reflect how art can stir the human spirit and, at times, inspire broader cultural movements. For example, Zac Langdon-Pole’s works demonstrate a harmonious tension between East and West, old and new, merging diverse elements to bridge the gap. His use of varied materials embodies the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, finding beauty in imperfection. Langdon-Pole also utilises negative spaces left by the erosion of time, bringing new life to objects through a contemporary interpretation of kintsugi, the ancient Japanese art of mending.
Sybille Schlumbom’s work evokes a different kind of connection and emotional resonance for O’Shannessy. Rooted in a deeply personal practice, Schlumbom uses familiar materials to chart her inner world and ongoing inquiries. Her pieces unfold like quiet conversations, mirroring O’Shannessy’s own reflections on the nature of beauty, and Schlumbom’s thoughtful use of materials that shift the feeling of the space.
As Director of Public Record, O’Shannessy has long been drawn to beautifully crafted objects that reflect the refined skill and sensitivity of their makers. Over the past decade, her work with artists and craftspeople has deepened this appreciation. She has observed how, through sustained practice, makers develop distinct visual languages – refining techniques while embedding a personal signature. Each work becomes a quiet testament to mastery: visually striking, deeply considered, and rich in craftsmanship. It is this appreciation for craftsmanship and unique visual language that shines through in O’Shannessy’s considered curation and presentation of Ma.
The exhibition runs for three months from June at The Arts House Trust, accompanied by talks and workshops designed to foster dialogue and deeper engagement with its themes.
About the Curator:
Yuka O’Shannessy’s distinctive creative sensibility is deeply rooted in her upbringing in Japan, where artisanal mastery and craftsmanship are a celebrated part of everyday life. After moving to Aotearoa, New Zealand, she pursued studies in fashion, bringing her refined aesthetic into the world of local makers and artists.
Her creative journey includes co-founding An Astute Assembly and running her own label, Yuka & Tristan, through which she launched seven collections. These projects became platforms for exploring original ideas across homeware, craft, clothing, and art—laying the foundation for her evolving multidisciplinary vision.
In May 2020, just after New Zealand's first lockdown, Yuka opened Public Record—a space dedicated to showcasing thoughtful, skillful work. As director, she curates an active program of exhibitions in the upstairs gallery, representing artists from both Aotearoa and Japan. Downstairs, the store features an ever-evolving catalogue of works available to view and purchase.
Public Record now represents around 80 artists across a range of disciplines, with a strong focus on art and craft. Yuka plays a vital role in fostering cross-cultural exchange, building bridges between Japanese and New Zealand creative communities. At its heart, Public Record collaborates with artists and craftspeople who work with integrity, skill, and a distinctive sensibility. Whether local or international, each artist shares a common thread: a deep exploration of roots and identity through their practice.
Yuka’s ongoing work continues to raise the profile of New Zealand artists while bringing a playful, nuanced approach to their presentation on the international stage. Through these journeys, her curiosity lies in the potential of growing creative communities—seeing possibilities unfold as the company evolves. As Public Record expands, her vision will continue to develop organically, embracing the many possibilities that lie ahead.
