New Zealand’s Premier Iwi Art Exhibition Officially Open

26 January 2018

New Zealand’s Premier Iwi Art Exhibition Officially Open

New Zealand’s Premier Iwi Art Exhibition, Toi Ngāpuhi was officially opened at Toll Stadium with over 200 people attended the opening hosted by Tai Tokerau Maori Arts Collective and Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi O Ngāpuhi.

Toi Ngāpuhi, New Zealand’s leading event in its category showcases the best of Māori and Ngāpuhi traditional and contemporary arts and artists.

The event, which has steadily built momentum since its beginning in 2004 has achieved a record level of participation with over 70 emerging, mid-career and well-known artists contributing pieces.

The event is being hosted at Toll Stadium for first time and the Tai Tokerau Maori Arts Collective has designed an breathtaking exhibition in an ideal space which lends itself to artistic display.

This year the exhibition features beautiful, high-quality art pieces some of which articulate the artists’ interpretation of the exhibition theme ‘ko au te wai, ko te wai ko au – I am the water, and the water is me’.

Profile established artists include clay specialists, Dorothy Waetford, Rhonda Halliday, Noelle Jakeman, Hera Johns and Davina Duke.

Other profile artists include Alex Nathan, one of New Zealand’s only Maori silversmiths, talented contemporary painter Andrea Hopkins, internationally renowned painter and teacher Theresa Reihana, formidable artist Victor Te Paa as well as celebrated carver and sculptor Will Ngakuru.

There are many emerging, mid-career and established artists of distinction featured at Toi Ngāpuhi in 2018. The prized exhibition catalogue showcases over 70 participants, telling their unique stories and providing a much anticipated narrative. This quality publication can be purchased at the exhibition.

All the artworks displayed are available for purchase. As well as encouraging as many people as possible to attend, organisers look forward to welcoming a group of international buyers. One such buyer was present at the opening. American based Dr Michelle Erai has booked her travel to New Zealand this year to coincide with the festival and attend the exhibition to see the progression of certain artists she admires.

“This year’s exhibition has definitely lived up to its reputation of being New Zealand’s Premier Iwi Art Exhibition. It is a privilege to have such a prestigious event that celebrates Ngāpuhi and Maori art and artists as part of the Ngāpuhi Festival.” says Ngāpuhi Festival Event Manager Tio Taiaki.

Toi Ngāpuhi is part of the wider Ngāpuhi Festival celebrations and is free to attend. The event is located at Toll Stadium in the Level Two Main Lounge and is open to the public for the following dates and times.

• Thursday 25 January 8.30am-8.00pm

• Friday 26 January 8.30am-8.00pm

• Saturday 27 January 8.00am-8.00pm

• Sunday 28 January 8.30am-2.30pm

ends

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