Puanga Kei Runga – A contemporary & traditional Indigenous art exhibition to honour the diversity of our knowledge systems
It has been an exciting month for Toi Matarau since the opening of our current exhibition ‘Puanga Kei Runga!’ This exhibition acknowledges the rich and diverse nuances of knowledge systems across Indigenous cultures and also celebrates the common thread that binds us all as being deeply connected to the land, sea and sky. Much of the work we have in the gallery represents the circle of life through the connections between people and place, the stars, the moon, the sun, animals, plants, atua and more.
Our space carries the mauri of all our artists and their whakapapa, integrating our histories and perspectives into toi Taketake.
Since celebrating Matariki there has been a positive shift in energy, a deeper appreciation for art to new and wider audiences. Many have come to visit the array of talented artists, both national and international, that we have on display. It is nice to still honour the Māori New Year beyond its assigned holiday, to keep the ahi burning low but constant.
In this exhibition we are featuring new works by artists:
Michel Tuffery, Darcy Nicholas, Ariki Brightwell, Tayla Hartemink, Rosie Koko, A.J Manaaki Hope, Hinepūororangi Tahupārae, Lewis Gardiner, Susan Barrett, Elaine Bevan, Joshua Campbell, Fiona Bryant, Aria Parker, Ephraim Russell, Maia Gibbs, Steve Gibbs, Pēkere, Sophia Parun, Shona Tawhaiao, Maija Stephens, Elijah Haki Revell & Pera Barrett.
Guest indigenous artists from the Pacific Northwest include:
Dorothy Grant (Kaigani Haida), Margaret August (Salish, Shíshálh), Ed Archie NoiseCat (Salish, Shuswap, St’itlimx), Rande Cooke (Namgis Maamtaglia, Mamalilikala), Tamara Rain Bell (Haida), Sally Link (Cree) & Clarence Mills (Haida).
Others included are Huhana Smith, Tessa Russell, Te Māreikura Brightwell, Rīhari Warnock, Johnny Hauraki, Pip Devonshire, Sonia Snowden, Claudette Collis and others!
We are in the midst of planning floor talks and demonstrations with creatives such as artist Huhana Smith and author Jessica Hutchings so be sure to keep an eye out for any pānui about our upcoming events!
Come and visit while you can!
