Rowan Panther creates fine lace textiles using muka fibres that examine the divide between art and craft. Working consciously in an Aotearoa context, Panther considers the complexities of colonisation, as well as her own Irish/English/European/Samoan heritage, by bringing contemporary Pacific interpretations to traditional European lace-making practices. For Pieces of Place, Panther presents a collection of both old and new works, where each time-consuming piece ties together disparate histories, influences and practices into a unique and ongoing cultural narrative. Inspired by museum displays and social domestic history, Panther has recently been experimenting with wearable pieces of lace work.
Born in Auckland, Rowan Panther is a lace textile artist living in Doubtless Bay, Northland. Her first experience with bobbin lace making was in 2007, through classes tought at the Titirangi community centre with master lacemaker Alwynne Crowsen. She completed a Diploma in Contemporary Photography from Unitec in 2002, a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Elam in 2008, and continues to travel between Wellington and Auckland working in film and television. Rowan is represented by Fingers Contemporary New Zealand Jewellery, Auckland.