Pataka Exhibitions

Pataka Exhibitions

The Moriori of Rekohu, T'chakat henu - People of the Land
Now until 30 January 2011

The last known Moriori of full descent, Tame Horomona Rehe, later known as Tommy Solomon, died on 19 March 1933. Contrary to popular belief, Moriori people did not disappear after his death. Hundreds of Moriori descendants now live on Rekohu (Chatham Island), throughout New Zealand and around the world.

This exhibition is a testament to their fortitude and determination to reclaim their culture and identity and share it with all New Zealanders.

Providing a walk-through of the Moriori's origins and culture, the exhibition culminates in a series of panels celebrating the lives of today's Moriori descendants, detailing their thoughts on their heritage, and efforts to revive and reclaim their culture and identity.

Bob Maysmor, the curator of the exhibition says, "The voice of these people really tells amazing stories of hardship, of cultural denial and I think if people read that they will get a real feeling for what these folk have gone through."

A highlight of the exhibition is a re-creation of the Kopi grove at the National Historic Reserve of Hapupu on Rekohu. The Kopi grove is a spiritual centre for the Moriori and home to numerous examples of rakau momori (living tree carvings) created by Moriori ancestors.

The Commodification of Identity forum
Saturday 4 September, 2pm In the gallery
This Saturday join Maui Solomon (from The Morirori of Rekohu exhibition), Moana Jackson, Moana Maniopoto with an introduction by Susan Forbes.

This will be a forum discussion and debate on intellectual and cultural property. What are the ethics in and around the issue of cultural property and the commodification of identity?

Mouth and Foot Artists demonstration and floortalk by Kerrin Tilley
Friday 10, Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 September,
each day at 2pm

(The Sunday demonstration and floortalk is in conjunction with the exhibition opening 2pm Sunday 12 September)

The Mouth and Foot Painting Artists is a self-help organisation which gives disabled people the opportunity to fulfill their creative ambitions while still maintaining financial independence. Here in New Zealand there are 22 artists.

Nga Kakahu - Change & Exchange exhibition opening and Artist Talk
Change & Exchange exhibition opening
Sunday 19 September 1.45pm,
Artist Talk - Roka Ngarimu-Cameron 2.30pm

Change & Exchange exhibition opening is on Sunday 19 September at 1.45pm followed by an artist talk by Roka Ngarimu-Cameron at 2.30pm

Roka Ngarimu-Cameron will talk about the similarities between the kilt and the cloak. Nga Kakahu: Change & Exchange is a celebration of the art of Maori weaving from both a Maori and Pakeha perspective. The exhibition brings together for the first time sculptor Jo Torr and Maori weaver, Roka Ngarimu-Cameron, who both find inspiration in the traditional Maori art of cloak weaving.

Image: Left, Roka Ngarimu-Cameron Korowai 2008 Right, Jo Torr Ngore 2009, courtesy of the Mark Hutchins Gallery

Contemporary Art Curator Helen Kedgley in conversation with White Goddess Artists - Kerrie Hughes and Liza Foreman
Sunday 26 September, 2pm in the main gallery

The White Goddess is seen as a symbol of fertility, regeneration and hope and has become a universal symbol for brides in many countries. Explore the archetypal White Goddess as seen in the wedding dresses and paintings by Kerrie Hughes and the elaborate millinery skills of Liza Foreman.

Friday Talks
Friday 3 September , 12.15pm
-Margaret Elliot, Painter of Wild Places from the Fine Spells - Chatham Islands exhibition in the Bottle Creek Gallery.

Friday 10 September , 12.15pm
Kerrin Tilley, Mouth and Foot Artists exhibition, will give a talk in the Bottle Creek Gallery.

We are grateful to the Friends of Pataka for organising our Friday lunch time gallery Art-2-Go talks.
ends

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