New art represents new premises

Iwi Art Gallery
19 Tory St, Wellington.

2 March 2006

New art represents new premises

Wellington’s newest art gallery Iwi Art celebrates its move to new premises this week-end with an exhibition called “Huanuku”(transitions and movement).

The gallery is interpreting iwi art in its broadest context for the exhibition.

“We’ll be featuring new paintings by Kylie Tiuka,” gallery owner Huhana Rokx said today.

“But in keeping with our theme of transitions and movement, we’ll have performance from Hinewirangi Kohu-Morgan, and new writing from Anton Blank. Along with the work already on display in the gallery, we’ll cover the full gambit of Maori art; from traditional through to post-modern.”

ENDS

The Artists

Kylie Tiuka

Kylie completed a diploma in computer graphic design in Wellington and then undertook three years study at Toimairangi Faculty of Maori Visual Arts in Hastings. She graduated in 2005 and worked as an assistant curator at Te Raukura Gallery in Rotorua. Kylie’s medium is acrylic on canvas, and inspiration for her work comes from the rafter panels and carvings of her wharenui, Te Whai-o-te-Motu in Ruatahuna. The scenes on the rafter panels include trees like the Maire and Toromiro – and hunters using ancient methods of spearing and snaring birds. Kylie’s art reflects her immense pride in being a child of the mist.

Hinewirangi Kohu-Morgan

Hinewirangi Kohu-Morgan is an artist, poet, and activist. She is a Board Member of the International Indian Treaty Council and is a Representative for the Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific movement. She teaches in New Zealand and abroad, conducting workshops on all aspects of the Maori philosophies of mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Her areas of expertise include traditional Maori parenting and healing; Maori flute-making; and indigenous poetry and drama. Her published works include a four-part collection of poetry entitled kanohi ki ti kanohi, about her travels to indigenous communities around the world.

Anton Blank
Ngati Porou/Ngati Kahungunu

Anton is a short story writer and essayist. He has been published in a variety of books and websites. Anton is interested in capturing the experiences of successful urban Maori and is currently working on a collection of short stories for Huia Publishers.

IWI ART VISION

An Art Gallery that all people, particularly Maori, are continuously complimentary of; where artists are proud to exhibit their work; and where staff work with pleasure, fully respectful of the dignity of the artwork they stand behind.

IWI ART PURPOSE

We lead Maori cultural and commerce development in regard to the acquisition and sale of Maori Art.

IWI ART VALUES

Te Ao Maori: Maori art descends from a whakapapa and culture steeped in proud traditions.
Tangata: Our clients are our number one priority; our artists are our number one asset.
Take: We perform to satisfy ourselves and our clients, mutually, by working to agreed and consistent standards.
Tuhono: We partner at three different levels:
1. with the traditions behind Maori Art, ensuring they are maintained in all our processes;
2. with Maori artists; and
3. with the discerning buyers of toi Maori.

Iwi Art recognises its responsibilities to the Treaty of Waitangi. We provide an environment where the rangatiratanga of toi Maori is paramount.

© Scoop Media