MEDIA RELEASE

8 June 2005

Matariki stars at Artstation

A whanau (family) perspective of Matariki comes to light in Nga Uri O Mikaara Reflections of Mikaara’s whanau at the Artstation Gallery from 21 June to 9 July 2005.

Mikaara Kirkwood and his sons, Rueben and Thomas, exhibit traditional and contemporary art based on the theme of Matariki.

Matariki is a star cluster that heralds the start of the Maori New Year. Matariki is seen as a time to forecast future harvests, and is recognised as a time of reflection and of new beginnings and endings. The Kirkwood whanau explore traditional aspects of Matariki including growth, renewal, kinship and spirituality and comment on how these ideas are relevant to Maori today.

“We appreciate the values of old but as contemporary Maori we also use whatever we have around us. It’s keeping the traditions alive, old ways through to new ways,” says Mikaara.

Mikaara’s paintings reflect his interest in folklore and include political works based on social tensions around the growth within Maoridom.

Rueben uses traditional methods in his carvings, which are inspired by land and natural materials.

Thomas’ expressive paintings investigate his identity and emotions, drawing on the spirit of Matariki to define oneself.

Nga Uri O Mikaara Reflections of Mikaara’s whanau is part of Matariki Festival 2005 presents Ngo Tini Whetu, a series of visual art exhibitions across Tamaki Makaurau Auckland Region.

Nga Uri O Mikaara Reflections of Mikaara’s whanau exhibition information:
Artists: Mikaara, Rueben and Thomas Kirkwood
Exhibition: 21 June to 9 July 2005
Opening: 5-7pm, Tuesday 21 June 2005

Artstation, Auckland City’s community visual arts facility, is located at the old police barracks at 1 Ponsonby Rd, Newton. It is easy to get to by public transport with the Link’s ‘Artstation’ bus stop right outside.

Web address: www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/artstation
Artstation gallery hours: Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm
Sat 10am to 4pm

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