Carried Away: Bags Unpacked showcases over 150 individual bags from Auckland Museum’s collection, many on display for the first time.

Every bag has a history, a story to tell – from haute couture fashion to cultural traditions. Bags can convey social standing, practical needs or be a statement of art.

From curious creations such as an albatross foot purse and bear gut bag with fur trim, to taonga imbued with Māori and Pacific cultural values such as kete and bilum, the exhibition explores the stories associated with their creation and the people who used them.

Carried Away: Bags Unpacked exhibition is on until 1 December 2019 in the Special Exhibition Hall.

Dedicated to exposing discrimination in the art world, in politics and in the film and music industries, the Guerrilla Girls is an anonymous collective of feminist activist artists. Formed as a collective more than 30 years ago, the Guerrilla Girls’ gorilla-mask costumes, bold visual language and frank, humorous messages have rendered them iconic in the history of art and as part of wider social movements. Guerrilla Girls: Reinventing the ‘F’ Word – Feminism! follows the collective’s artistic practice from 1984 until 2016 and explores how they employ bold, fun and provocative poster art to criticise ongoing biases in art and society.

The exhibition is recommended for teenagers aged 13 years plus as there is some mature subject matter relating to oversexualisation of Hollywood and reproductive rights. 

The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 5pm until Tuesday 15 October 2019.

Image credits: Guerrilla Girls © George Lange 1990

Join Auckland Artweek at Freyberg Square from 5pm to celebrate the incredibly diverse culture that Tāmaki Makaurau is home to! Featuring performances from Keani Pora, Kelly Harris, Kawiti Waetford, ORIKoL DJ, Once Were Ravens.

ARTWEEK AUCKLAND EVENT.

Enjoy LATE NIGHT ART in the Heart of the City on Tuesday evening.  As part of Artweek, galleries will be open late, there will be guided walking and cycling tours and live art events.