Everyday objects reconfigured — the art of Cornelia Parker

It’s 1995, you walk into a gallery and see the actor Tilda Swinton asleep in a glass box. She’s surrounded by 19^th century objects that once belonged to famous politicians, writers, and scientists, as if dreamt into life by her. This installation, called ‘The Maybe’, was part of the first Cornelia Parker exhibition that Andrea Schlieker helped curate. “The week-long piece blew me (and 1000s of visitors) away.” More than 30 years later they have worked together on many projects, and Andrea is still having visceral reactions to the artist’s multi-disciplinary work. The latest being an exhibition at City Gallery Wellington.

Cornelia Parker’s work takes over the entire gallery — a rare occurrence for the Wellington institution and an indication of the significance of the exhibition. It’s also a suitably grand way to celebrate the return of the gallery after a 30-month hiatus while the building was strengthened. Some of the installations that Cornelia is known for require a lot of space but it’s not just the large works on display. “We wanted to present Parker as a multi-disciplinary artist who is also an adept filmmaker, and who pushes the boundaries of drawing and photography.” Her signature installations will be complemented with films. photogravures (a technique combining photography and traditional etching), and her first paintings. 

For someone new to Cornelia’s work Andrea describes it as full of magic and surprises. “She uses ordinary found objects, ones we are all familiar with, and transforms them — like an alchemist — into something astonishing and wonderful.” Objects like silver cutlery or musical instruments might be transformed by squashing, cutting, burning, or suspending. The newly presented materials are fascinating, strange, and mysterious. “You are invited onto a journey of discovery that is poetic, mesmerising and sometimes disturbing.”

The exhibition includes a work connected to New Zealand. In 2010, Cornelia spent three months travelling the country resulting in the short film ‘Doubtful Sound’. “Do not expect a TripAdvisor type of reportage.” warns Andrea. “This is an eerie, haunting, unsettling vision. A haiku of a film. A love letter to Te Wai Pounamu from a celebrant of the noir.” 

Andrea has also had a taste of Aotearoa having visited in November 2025. Coming from London where everything is a commute Wellington’s walkability is a treat. “When I first landed in Wellington City Gallery director, Charlotte Davy took me to Mount Victoria. It was night-time but a wonderful way to be introduced to the city with this incredible sparkling view.” She loves the array of bars and restaurants, hiking above Breaker Bay, and the Botanic Gardens. “It was my go-to place to unwind — always a fantastic and fragrant oasis of calm.”