Art Gallery Hosts Homecoming Exhibition Of Maori Weaving

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu will be the homecoming venue for Toi Mäori: The Eternal Thread – Te Aho Mutunga Kore exhibition when it returns from the United States next month.

Toi Mäori: The Eternal Thread is the first major international touring exhibition to celebrate the changing art of Maori weaving and Christchurch Art Gallery is honoured to host the homecoming of this acclaimed exhibition following its international tour, says Gallery Director Jenny Harper.

For the last 18 months the exhibition of more than 90 Maori art works has been touring the west coast of the States, attracting an audience of more than 90,000.

At the Christchurch Art Gallery from 16 February to 27 May, Toi Mäori: The Eternal Thread celebrates the changing art of Maori weaving from the finest traditional Maori kakahu (cloaks) and kete (finely woven baskets) and whariki (floor mats) to contemporary pieces, using peacock feathers, fishing line and builders’ paper. Other exhibits are taniko (tapestries), tukutuku (wall panels) and piupiu (skirts).

Ms Harper says Toi Mäori: The Eternal Thread is such an important exhibition as it provides an insight in to New Zealand’s cultural identity and through the juxtaposition of historical and contemporary works explores the evolution of Maori art.

“Toi Mäori: The Eternal Thread provides South Islanders with a unique opportunity to see this selection of rare and precious cloaks from weaving dynasties such as the Hetet and Te Kanawa families.”

She says this is the only chance to see the exhibition in the South Island. “It is especially wonderful to be part of the celebration of the exhibition’s journey home – this is an important spiritual and cultural moment for those involved.”

Ms Harper says that it is pleasing to have an exhibition that focuses on women’s work in the way that Toi Mäori: The Eternal Thread does.

“When the homecoming of Te Maori was staged twenty years ago, it consisted entirely of carving and was shown in a mixture of museums and art galleries in Aotearoa New Zealand. Now we see the return home of this wonderful weaving and we are clear that it is a crucial aspect of this country’s art.”

During the 14 weeks Toi Mäori: The Eternal Thread will be at the Christchurch Art Gallery, many of the artists whose work is featured will be on site providing weaving demonstrations and talking about their work.

There will also be a comprehensive public programme of kapahaka performances and entertainment by other Maori artists, lectures and panel discussions on such topics as The Significance of Maori Art in Today’s Society by Sir Tipene O’Regan and on Maori rock art, carving and the waka, and presentations by Maori authors.

ENDS

© Scoop Media