Bob Jahnke, Taimana kowhai, 2015, MDF, paint, neon, one way glass, mirror, electricity
MEDIA RELEASE 20th FEBRUARY 2017
For immediate release
27 February - 21 May 2017
Whangarei Art Museum – Te Manawa Toi is pleased to present BOB JAHNKE: ATA: a third reflection.
In this exhibition Professor Bob Jahnke explores Māori creation narratives and prophetic imagery through light and
reflection. ‘Ata’ in te reo Māori means reflection, form, light and shadow, but also refers to the act of deliberation.
This new body of wall-mounted and free-standing installation works explores reflection using neon text and pattern
inspired by the practices of Ivan Navarro and Paolo Scirpa. The technique results in a repetition of pattern that
appears infinite but disappears into a void of darkness. Through these optical effects Jahnke endeavours to capture the
Maori notion of the emergence of Te Ao Marama the world of light from the darkness of Te Po.
Toured by PATAKA ART + MUSEUM