TOI MAORI - THE ETERNAL THREAD
WEAVING THEIR WAY THROUGH AMERICA
Press Release
For immediate release 23.9.05
Five renowned Maori weavers are in Salem, Oregon, USA for the opening of the international touring exhibition ‘Toi Maori
- The Eternal Thread’ at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art. Accompanying them are two ta moko (Maori tattoo) artists and a
carver. As well as demonstrating their art forms, the Maori artists will meet with native weavers and carvers from the
various tribal groups in Oregon, in an exchange of art and culture.
The exhibition follows the highly successful ‘Maori Art Meets America’ event held recently in San Francisco with Salem,
Oregon being the second venue in the tour. As with the exhibition in San Francisco, the American public will be able to
interact with the artists and talk to them about their highly specialised art forms. Last month, San Franciscans were
overwhelmingly positive about having the opportunity to interact and talk with Maori artists about their work. Weaving
delegation leader Ranui Ngarimu of Christchurch expects a similar response in Oregon,
‘The Eternal Thread caught the hearts of many who viewed it in San Francisco. I am certain that it will have the same
effect on the people of Oregon. I look forward to meeting new audiences, making new friends and sharing our weaving
stories and techniques that will provide enriching and enlightening experiences relevant to this wonderful exhibition of
Maori art.’
The exhibition will open at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, at Willamette University in Salem, on 23rd September (24th
September NZ time) and continue until December. A spectacular parade involving the local Siletz and Grand Ronde tribes
will open the exhibition and welcome the Maori artists.
Garry Nicholas, General Manager of Toi Maori Aotearoa, is excited about the response Maori art is receiving on the
international stage,
‘The word ‘Maori’ has immense value in the international arena. Combined with the dynamism and spirituality of the arts
it is an awesome force. Maori Arts unlocked a huge audience and confirmed research for a dynamic fit with the vibrancy
and beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand.’
‘Toi Maori - The Eternal Thread’ is a showcase of the very best in traditional and contemporary Maori weaving from
Aotearoa New Zealand. It is the first major international touring exhibition to celebrate the changing art of Maori
weaving. The exhibition was developed by Porirua’s Pataka Museum and toured to three New Zealand venues before
travelling to America where it will tour until 2007.
The Maori weavers will demonstrate weaving techniques, take part in panel discussions, and talk to visitors about the
100 pieces of weaving in The Eternal Thread exhibition - a collection of intricately woven kakahu (cloaks), kete
(baskets) and whariki (floor mats). The weavers will have a busy two weeks launching the exhibition in Salem, Oregon
before returning home to New Zealand to attend the National Weavers Hui at Labour Weekend in Taranaki.
ends
The delegation attending (and regions where they live) is as follows:
Toi Maori - The Eternal Thread exhibition
Hallie Ford Museum of Art, Willamette University
Salem, Oregon, USA
23 Sept to 22 Dec 2005
Weavers delegation
Donna Campbell - Waikato
Elaine Bevan - Otaki
Pip Devonshire – Otaki
Ranui Ngarimu - Chistchurch
Roka Cameron - Whakatane
Delegation members
Darcy Nicholas – Porirua City Council - Wellington
Garry Nicholas – General Manager, Toi Maori Aotearoa – Wellington
Rangiwaiata Tahuparae - Wanganui
Rose White Tahuparae - Wanganui
Waana Davis – Chair, Toi Maori Aotearoa - Wellington
Ta moko / Carvers delegation
Hano Tihema – Gisborne
Hemi Sundgren – New Plymouth
Mark Kopua - Gisborne
Turumakina Duleyz - Auckland