Bringing Ancestral Waters to Life: Prolab’s Collaboration with Natalie Robertson for GOMA

Introduction: A Landmark Project for Prolab at GOMA
In 2024, Prolab had the privilege of collaborating with acclaimed New Zealand artist Natalie Robertson on a significant project for the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in Brisbane. This project marked a milestone for Prolab as it was one of the first major series we produced entirely for GOMA, involving meticulous printing, mounting, and framing of Natalie’s powerful triptychs.

About Natalie Robertson
Natalie Robertson, of Ngāti Pōkai, Ngāti Porou, and Clann Dhònnchaidh descent, was born in Kawerau, Aotearoa, New Zealand, and lives and works in Tāmaki Makaurau. Her artistic practice focuses on the Waiapu River, the ancestral river of Ngāti Porou, renowned for its severe erosion. Natalie’s work advances Māori counter-narratives to settler-colonialism, blending photography, moving images, and scholarly research. Her recent exhibitions include Te Kupenga o Taramainuku at Te Papa Tongarewa and Tatara e Maru ana – The Sacred Rain Cape of Waiapu at Christchurch Art Gallery.

The Project: Four Striking Triptychs
The project produced four triptych pieces, each measuring 1016 x 1355 mm. These works capture the essence of the Waiapu River and its surrounding landscapes, reflecting the cultural and environmental significance embedded in Natalie’s practice.

Precision in Production
Prolab ensured every detail met the highest standards:

• Printing: We used Ilford Crystal Gloss paper for its vibrant colour reproduction and durability. Soft-proofing colour samples were meticulously reviewed with Natalie to ensure precise colour accuracy.
• Mounting: Each piece was mounted on Dibond using Neschen Gudy 808 archival adhesive, providing a smooth, durable finish.
• Framing: The artworks were housed in deep black box frames with black mat spacers, enhancing the visual depth. We used AR99 Anti-Reflective 99% Museum Glazing for optimal presentation and protection, which minimizes glare while maintaining clarity.
• Installation: A museum sub-frame fixing system was incorporated, along with an aluminium Z-Bar fitting for secure hanging.

Overcoming Challenges
The project wasn’t without its challenges. Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023 caused extensive flooding in Te Ika a Māui, making parts of the Waiapu River inaccessible. Despite these obstacles, Natalie and her team, including members from the Ngāti Porou Raukūmara Pae Maunga Restoration Project, persevered to complete the work.

Exhibition at GOMA
The final installation at GOMA beautifully showcased Natalie’s vision. The triptychs, displayed against the gallery’s dark walls, illuminated the ancestral waters and landscapes of Aotearoa, New Zealand, inviting viewers into a contemplative space that bridges past and present.

Conclusion: Celebrating Artistic Collaboration and Cultural Preservation
This collaboration with Natalie Robertson was a significant achievement for Prolab, demonstrating our commitment to supporting artists in bringing their visions to life with precision and care. The project highlighted our technical expertise and underscored the importance of preserving cultural narratives through art.

For more information about the materials used in this project, visit Artglass AR 99.