Kauri Hawkins, Reweti Arapere, Ngatai Taepa, Kereama Taepa, David Hakaraia, Stevei Houkamau, Robyn Kahukiwa,
Lonnie Hutchinson, James Lainchbury and Reuben Paterson.
Curated by Suzanne Tamaki
2 – 24 June
Reuben Paterson Afternoon Delight
Physical and virtual taonga are unified in the exhibition Pūkana whakarunga! Pūkana whakararo! curated by Suzanne Tamaki. Referencing the heralding of Matariki, the exhibition brings heaven and earth into closer conversation. Contemporary artworks by leading and emerging Māori artists are paired with virtual taonga from the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa, accessed via visitors’ mobile devices. The connection of contemporary and historic treasures in Pūkana whakarunga! Pūkana whakararo! offers a glimpse into how Māori symbolism, carving and ideologies have developed and morphed into new artistic practices.
Authenticity comes into question through the physical and virtual exhibition experience, as the selected museum taonga are all replicas of original artefacts - even in real-life they are in a sense unreal. Tamaki’s inclusion of the replicas in the exhibition suggests they are no less valuable as taonga.
Contemporary issues are also embedded into the exhibition. Tamaki has worked with Te Whare Rokiroki – Māori Women's Refuge Arts Coordinator Natalie Mataria to incorporate a constellation of hand woven stars into the exhibition. The stars will be created through workshop sessions at Toi Pōneke Arts Centre as part of the ‘One Millions Stars to End Violence project’ initiated by artist Maryann Pau. Tamaki sees the inclusion of the community-made stars as a hopeful way to raise awareness about contemporary issues during Matariki.
