Turtle Sarten and Bernie Harfleet often work collaboratively, examining aspects of society that sit outside the comfort zone of many. Their work asks us to think about things that are often pushed aside and not talked about. Recent work has focused on Family Harm, poverty and aspects of mental health. They often include community participation as part of their work.

Bernie is a self-taught artist. Turtle holds a Master’s degree from Elam School of Fine Art, The University of Auckland. They have been exhibiting extensively though out New Zealand since 2002. In 2016 they were the Winners of the NZ Sculpture OnShore People’s Choice Award for their sculpture installation Max and Bella and friends, which highlighted anxiety and depression.

They are also widely known for their social practise art work Give A Kid A Blanket, now a registered charity that has been running since 2015. 

This is the second time Turtle and Bernie have exhibited in Sculpture in the Gardens.

For more info about Bernie and Turtle and their projects:
https://www.facebook.com/Max-and-Bella-and-friends-1695033870713099/
https://giveakidablanket.co.nz/