New wave of Maori art on show

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New wave of Maori art on show

A unique exhibition by six of the new generation of Maori artists is open at Matapihi ki te Ao, the new Whanganui tertiary education campus.

The exhibition - called Post - was organised by Whanganui UCOL Fine Arts lecturer Erna Stachl to coincide with Te Wiki O Te Reo - Maori Language Week. One of Erna’s recent works is in the show.

She says the exhibition provides a rare opportunity for the public to see work by six contemporary Maori artists, in one space. “It also provides an important opportunity for students to have exposure to contemporary Maori art of a high calibre.

“The kaupapa for the exhibition addresses the concept of contemporary. The title Post is intended to acknowledge Maori perceptions of chronology where the past and present manifest analogously – a way forward through the post modern and the post colonial that does not require an abandonment. A reference to Post equals Pou is also intended, again suggesting connectivity.”

The six artists whose work is on show at the campus’s Edith Gallery are: Chris Bryant, Ngatai Taepa, Vanessa Edwards (image attached), Ngahina Hohaia, Hemi McGregor and Erna Stachl.

Chris Bryant’s sculpture has been included in international exhibitions and in the collection of Te Papa Tongarewa. He is an art tutor at te Toimairangi - the School of Maori Art in Hastings.

Ngatai Taepa has a Masters in Maori Visual Arts from Massey University. He is now a lecturer in the university’s Maori Visual programme. His paintings and installations look at contemporary issues within New Zealand society.

Vanessa Edwards graduated from Whanganui UCOL in 2002 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Distinction. She describes her work as reflecting the traditions of Western printmaking and drawing, and Maori weaving.

Taranaki-born Ngahina Hohaia’s work embraces media from sculpture and installations through to jewellery and adornment, she has exhibited recently at the Govett Brewster and is currently completing a Masters in Maori Visual Arts at Massey.

Hemi McGregor is a graduate of the Whanganui School of Fine Arts and also holds a Masters degree from Massey. He is a lecturer in Fine Arts at Massey Wellington. His art includes multi-media works based on Maori mythology and Maori theology.

Exhibition curator Erna Stachl is a sculptor and also a Whanganui School of Fine Arts graduate. She also holds postgraduate qualifications including a Masters of Art and Design from AUT.

The exhibition is on at the Edith Gallery at Matapihi ki te Ao, until 1 August.

ENDS

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