View of Lisa Walker’s exhibition including multiple cabinets filled with colourful plinths and jewellery on them

Lisa Walker: I want to go to my bedroom but I can’t be bothered

I want to go to my bedroom but I can’t be bothered charts the 30-year evolution of world-renowned New Zealand jeweller Lisa Walker.

SEE ALL ART EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS

When | Āhea

17 Mar – 22 Jul 2018

Where | Ki hea

Toi Art, Level 4

Cost | Te utu

Free entry

Ages | TE REANGA

All ages

Accessibility | E wātea ana ki

wheelchair accessible

Find out more about accessibility at Te Papa

Stuffed ducklings, six months of rubbish, and a pearl with a fart.

Throughout her 30-year career, New Zealand jeweller Lisa Walker has pushed toward the extreme. She is described as a ‘contemporary archaeologist’, excavating culture, art, fashion, and photography for ideas and materials.

In 2010, Walker won the Françoise van den Bosch Award – the world’s most prestigious jewellery award.

An extraordinary range of Lisa Walker’s works is on display, made from materials including copper, pearls, and pounamu, to found objects like LEGO, cell phones, and egg beaters.

It’s the first time the full scope of her work has been shown, from the beginning studying in Dunedin until today.

Experience virtual reality

Meet Lisa Walker in her workshop.

Available 11.00-3.00pm most days. Ask a Host for information.

Lisa Walker virtual reality experience, 2018. Te Papa

Listen to Lisa Walker discuss her work on RNZ’s Standing Room Only programme

Lisa Walker in her studio, 2017. Photograph by Kate Whitley. Te Papa
John Drawbridge, *Bluescape*, 1963, oil on canvas. Te Papa (1969-0015-1)

Lisa Walker’s studio, 2017. Photograph by Kate Whitley. Te Papa
A series of atmospheric shots taken at sunrise from Mahitahi on the West Coast. Enjoy nature without leaving the house.

Lisa Walker in her studio, 2017. Photograph by Tim Onnes. Te Papa

Discover moreKia kitea ake

Children’s Guide to Lisa Walker
How does a child view the jewellery of Lisa Walker?
Lisa Walker, New Zealand’s jeweller provocateur
It’s 30 years since Lisa Walker set off on her journey in jewellery. Te Papa marks this achievement with the survey exhibition Lisa Walker: I want to go to my bedroom but I can’t be bothered.
Lisa Walker, a career in pictures
Lisa Walker has always questioned what jewellery can mean and be. Trace the career of this important New Zealand contemporary artist.
Kaleidoscope: Abstract Aotearoa
An exploration of colour, shape, and pattern in the Pacific.
Closed
17 Mar 2018 – 2 Apr 2023
Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga
Tūrangawaewae: Art and New Zealand
From Te Papa’s art collection comes a dynamic exhibition across five galleries. The art works here explore identity and cross-cultural exchange.
Closed
17 Mar 2018 – 13 Sep 2021
Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga
Pacific Sisters: Fashion Activists
A celebration of mana wāhine, indigenous identities, and the role this collective has played over the past 26 years in giving voice and visibility to Māori and Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Closed
17 Mar – 15 Jul 2018
Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga
Art I’m Into: Charlotte Davy, Head of Art
“When I first unpacked this work from its travelling crate an uncontrollable shiver went up my spine.”
Art I’m Into: Justine Olsen, Curator Decorative Art and Design
“In an ideal world I would wear this necklace to a party.”