Fine Arts student awarded the 2023 Iris Fisher Scholarship

Completing her Master of Fine Arts at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University's Whiti o Rehua School of Art, Bena makes sculptures and installations. Her practice considers community actions in public space and urban environments where agency, ingenuity, potential and tension intersect.

Bena says, “I am thrilled to be awarded this year's scholarship, it really is a special and exciting way to end my year at Massey. I want to pass on how grateful and excited I am about the opportunity. Thank you to the generous Lou and Iris Fisher Charitable Trust, the team at Te Tuhi and the people at Massey who've helped me along the way.”

Bena’s work is currently on display from 11-24 November as part of Exposure 2023, the graduation exhibition for Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts. Her work can be seen at the Engine Room Gallery at Massey University, alongside work by fellow student Russell Kleyn.

Bena's recent exhibitions include Castle Mall (2023) at RM Gallery in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Camera phone (2021) at play_station space in Te Whānganui-a-Tara Wellington, and Bound in secret knots (2021) with Teresa Collins at Enjoy Contemporary Art Space in Te Whānganui-a-Tara Wellington.

About the Iris Fisher Scholarship

The Iris Fisher Scholarship is a national award of $5000 to support an outstanding postgraduate student in the final year of a visual arts/fine arts course of study.

Since 2007, Te Tuhi, in partnership with the Fisher family, have supported the development of emerging Aotearoa New Zealand artists with this annual award. Past recipients of the Iris Fisher Scholarship include Susu, Xi Li, Emily Parr, Quishile Charan, Aaron Kong, Christina Pataialii, Kalisolaite ‘Uhila and Erica van Zon.

The scholarship is named after Iris Fisher, who was a founding member of the Pakuranga Arts Society and the driving force behind the creation of the Fisher Gallery, later to become Te Tuhi. Her original bequest has fostered contemporary visual arts practice and art education. It is envisaged that these funds will be put toward fees, materials, travel or a purpose which will enable the recipient to successfully complete their final year of postgraduate study.

For more information about the Iris Fisher Scholarship and previous recipients is available here.

Republished with permission from Te Tuhi.