Te Huringa / Turning Points

News Release

6 September 2006

Te Huringa / Turning Points – Pakeha Colonisation and Maori Empowerment

Paintings from some of New Zealand’s best known modern and historical artists feature in the latest exhibition at Puke Ariki. Te Huringa / Turning Points charts a stunning visual history of this country’s journey from early European contact, settlement and colonisation through to contemporary perspectives by 20th and 21st Century artists. The exhibition includes work by Augustus Earle, Nicholas Chevalier, Francis Dillon Bell, Charles Goldie, Colin McCahon, Gordon Walters, Darcy Nicholas, Sandy Adsett, Robyn Kahukiwa, Emare Karaka, Shane Cotton and Peter Robinson.

Toured by the Sarjeant Gallery of Wanganui and supported by Te Puni Kokiri and the Fletcher Trust, Te Huringa features magnificent paintings from the Fletcher Trust Collection and also from the Sarjeant Gallery Permanent Collection and has been co-curated by Peter Shaw, Curator of the Fletcher Trust Collection and Dr Jo Diamond, Nga Puhi–nui–tonu, Lecturer in Art History, University of Canterbury. Each painting in the exhibition has a dual interpretation by the two curators reflecting their culturally different viewpoints.

“This is a timely and thought provoking exhibition,” explains Bill Macnaught, Manager Puke Ariki, “it explores issues of Maori portrayal and identity that are important for all New Zealanders.”
The exhibition has been designed to appeal directly to people of all ages and backgrounds. It can be read on a number of levels: simply as an interesting range of paintings of New Zealand or, if viewers wish to engage with the issues presented in the accompanying labels, as a opportunity to consider the artists’ intentions. There is often a contentious intersection between two cultures - one indigenous, the other post colonial.
“This is another dimension of the Puke Ariki temporary exhibition programme and the opportunity to view these important New Zealand art works is likely to appeal to a wide audience here in Taranaki.” continues Bill Macnaught.

The exhibition is accompanied by a complimentary, collectible A4 gate-fold colour catalogue. Entry to this exhibition is free of charge.

Te Huringa / Turning Points – Pakeha Colonisation and Maori Empowerment
17 September – 5 November 2006
Main Exhibitions Gallery
Puke Ariki

ENDS

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