Markerspace: Art and Light

About the programme

How can light be used to express identity or a precious connection to place?

In this hands-on, experimental workshop, ākonga will explore photography without a camera. They will work with practical techniques inspired by Len Lye’s early photograms and environmental light explorations informed by Jacqui Elley’s lightbox work.

Learners will use pinhole-style devices to investigate how light travels and how images are formed. Through this process, they will capture patterns of light and shadow, discovering how simple materials can produce striking visual effects.

For the final making activity, teachers are invited to select one of two themes: Identity or Caring for our Environment. Guided by concepts such as pepeha, personal story, and our relationship with the natural world, each student will create their own light-based artwork, either a sun print or a projectable collage.

Blending science and art, this studio-based session will provide a rich, hands-on making experience that develops confidence in material experimentation, creativity and cultural connection.