Jessica Hansell (Ngāpuhi, Sāmoa) is a writer, multimedia artist and musician from Tāmaki Makaurau. Also known by her rap name Coco Solid, she is the Senior Artist for the 2026 Auckland Pride Festival’s Te Tīmatanga residency.
Join us as Ane Tonga, Curator, Pacific Art, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki introduces Coco Solid alongside Te Kura Raumata alumni Allie Howell (Waitaha, Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Pākehā), Asher McCarten (Ngāpuhi), Latamai Katoa (Ha‘asini, Tonga, Māori), Pounamu Rurawhe (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Tukorehe, Ngāti Raukawa), Pūmanawa Rawiri (Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Whanaunga, Marutuāhū, Ngāti Tamaoho, Ngāti Koheriki, Ngāti Aamaru, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki) and they share insights into the development of their new video work. Framed through Te Tīmatanga, this conversation traces Coco Solid’s enduring inter-arts practice and grassroots activism, and considers how collective practice, mentorship and shared responsibility shape artistic and political futures.
This event is part of the 2026 Auckland Pride Festival. Click on the Rainbow tag to see all the Gallery’s Pride events or check out the full Auckland Pride Festival programme at aucklandpride.org.nz .
Proudly part of the Auckland Council whānau
Local tip
He tīwhiri mō te rohe
Visit outside weekend and school-holiday mornings for a quieter experience, or head along during relaxed hours on most Tuesdays from 3pm to 5pm.
Getting there
Te huarahi ki reira
Auckland Art Gallery is on the corner of Kitchener and Wellesley Streets in the city centre. Te Waihorotiu Station is around a 5-minute walk away, while Waitematā Station and the ferry terminal are around a 15-minute walk. The OuterLink also stops nearby on Wellesley Street East. For more transport information, check out our Getting Around page.
More info
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