Carmen Rupe's Final Portrait to be Revealed This Weekend

Carmen Rupe's Final Portrait to be Revealed This Weekend

For immediate release: 30 October 2013

The much anticipated final portrait of Carmen Rupe will be revealed during Te Mete's fine art exhibition, at S&M Cocktail Bar & Lounge, 176 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington on Saturday 2nd Nov 2013, 7pm.

The Rupe whanau handpicked top NZ Contemporary Maori Artist, Te Mete, to create the final portrait of the iconic New Zealander. Carmen Rupe (1936-2011) was the first Maori Drag Performer, a Businesswoman and LGBT rights and HIV/AIDS activist. In 1977 Carmen ran for mayor of Wellington.

"I am blessed and humbled to be given the honour of painting Carmen's Final Portrait" says Te Mete. "She is a cultural phenomenon that has given me inspiration and strength. Carmen paved the way for many gay and transgender men and women from her own and many generations still to come".   

Scotty and Mal, much loved owner/operators of S&M Cocktail Bar & Lounge, will host the night alongside New Zealand Māori Contemporary Artist, Te Mete and guests from the Rupe family and friends. Rupe's final portrait reveal is guaranteed to be a great night out. 

International history was made by Te Mete after painting 'Louisa Wall in White Light'. The portrait of Ms Wall was recently published in World Investor Magazine and featured alongside works that have sold at auction for tens of millions in New York.

Members of the public are encouraged to come to this free event and be amongst the first to see the final portrait of Carmen Rupe and other never seen before original artworks by top New Zealand Contemporary Maori Artist, Te Mete. 

For further details visit Te Mete's facebook page: www.facebook.com/temete.co.nz or visit his website on www.temete.co.nz

ENDS

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