Hannah Schickedanz and poet Jessica Arcus
22 Feb - 21 March 2025
Human. Nature.: A Tender Collaboration Between Sisters
Toi Pōneke Gallery is proud to present Human. Nature., an immersive debut exhibition by sisters Hannah Schickedanz and poet Jessica Arcus. This deeply personal collaboration combines painting, sculpture, and poetry to create a soothing balm for the overstimulation of modern life.
Raised in rural North Canterbury, Hannah and Jessica share an upbringing steeped in nature—a connection that continues to shape their creative practices. While both are early career artists, in just two years, Jessica has had 18 poems published, while Hannah’s paintings have gained national and international recognition, including being named a finalist in the Beautiful Bizarre Art Awards and a sell-out debut and strong follow-ups at the New Zealand Art Show.
“Growing up surrounded by nature’s rhythms, our work shares a sense of quietness and longing for a life more attuned with our ‘animal selves” Hannah reflects. “This exhibition is an extension of the connection we feel with each other and the world around us.”
At the heart of the exhibition are Hannah’s striking paintings of furred women—figures that question the boundary between humanity and nature. These works, imbued with tenderness and mystery, invite viewers to pause and reflect on themes of belonging, connection, and quiet resilience.
Supporting these are sculptures crafted from horsehair, human hair, grasses, and driftwood. Together, these works evoke a sense of homesickness, nostalgia, and solace, offering viewers a grounding and sensory experience.
Hannah shares, “Jessica and I have both been humbled to have seen people moved to tears by our work. This exhibition is our way of extending that emotional connection to a wider audience.”
Jessica’s poetry, presented in written form and through intimate audio recordings, complements Hannah’s work, exploring similar themes of tenderness, longing and connection. Her poems vibrate with sensory details— the “crackle of doom-clouds distancing”, the smell of “sweet dog’s body”, the feeling of snow as a “quiet billion pulses throbbing against my cheeks”. They reflect on embodiment, motherhood, faith, and the textures of daily life. This exhibition marks the release of her debut poetry chapbook.
“I hope people find comfort and recognition in my poems,” Jessica says. “They’re about not shying away from the day-to-dayness of life; recognising that it’s the little moments that can hold so much meaning.”
“We hope this exhibition feels like a sanctuary—a place of rest and reconnection, both with yourself and the world around you,” the sisters share. “It’s about slowing down, finding stillness, and being reminded of the quiet beauty in the world.”
Foraged Fibres: Basket weaving workshop
Saturday 16 March, 12-3pm
Join Hannah to learn the art of twined and woven basket-making, using grasses, harakeke and other foraged materials. More details and booking information here.
Facilitated Artists’ talk
Saturday 1 March, 1-2pm
Discover the inspirations behind Hannah's evocative paintings and sculptures, and Jessica's sensory poetry, as they explore themes of connection, quiet beauty, and the interplay between creativity and nature.
