Chloé Quenum, Documentation. 2018. Image courtesy of the artist.

When a fable is retold, it becomes an adaptation: every storyteller shapes the narrative with their personal way of telling. These acts of transmission and interpretation add layers to narratives documented in both folklore and literature.

Fables from different parts of the world often share similarities, either through characters or storyline, by giving human qualities to non-human beings or by engaging the listener in moral considerations. The most meaningful fables follow us through our lives, evoking a sense of fiction in the everyday.

You are invited to share a fable that holds significance for you and to bring one or more objects that represent your chosen fable. The objects can be very simple. Preferably your object is something that you are happy to part ways with or loan so, with your permission, it can become part of a Chloé Quenum artwork. Your fable will also be recorded and filmed with the option of you being anonymous on film.

This workshop will run as an open studio: you are welcome to pop into the Te Whare Hēra Gallery anytime between 12 and 5 pm on the workshop day. This will also be a great opportunity for you to talk to Chloé about her work and exhibition ideas.

FABLES is the second iteration of Chloé Quenum’s workshop series to be completed as part of her residency at Te Whare Hēra. FABLES will be followed by TATTOO workshop.