Historic Matariki exhibition at NZ Academy of Fine Arts

Historic Matariki exhibition at NZ Academy of Fine Arts

Matariki: Whenua
Academy of Fine Arts, 9 June – 1 July 2012

For the first time in 130 years of history, the NZ Academy of Fine Arts presents a large group of guest Maori artists at the heart of an exhibition, marking an important time of year: Matariki. Working with Toi Maori Aotearoa and Pataka Museum of Arts and Cultures, Matariki: Whenua brings together internationally recognised Maori artists with Academy artists to consider the whenua (land) as a living system of which all people are a part, and our response to its seasonal rhythms.

Matariki: Whenua presents guest Maori artists alongside guest non-Maori artists, recognising their similar motivations and concerns. Curated by Jodie Dalgleish, the exhibition is constructed around a nucleus of clay works by guest artists Manos Nathan, Baye Riddell, Wi Taepa, and Colleen Urlich. Contemporary Carving is also foregrounded by Maori guest artists Lewis Gardiner, Stacy Gordine and Rangi Kipa. Master carver and Academy artist Brian Flintoff is also featured. Guest Maori artist Derek Lardelli, who helped create the new All Black haka, presents three totemic Kaitiaki (guardians). Also featuring are the paintings of Darcy Nicholas and the drawings of Diane Prince, along with the paintings of Jeanne Macaskill (NZM), the wall-works of Dunedin-based Russell Moses and a new series of photographs by well known photographer and conservationist Craig Potton.

Matariki: Whenua considers people’s relationships with the land and its ecosystems, with an eye towards mythologies and histories of personal encounters and political activism. In Director Warren Feeney’s words “this exhibition brings contemporary Maori art to the Academy and recognises the enduring spirits and guardians of the land. At the heart of the show are commonalities, as well as unique cultural practices and perspectives.”

Matariki-Whenua is open at the NZ Academy of Fine Arts gallery 10am – 5pm every day, 9th June - 1st July. Admission is free.

ENDS

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