Hundreds of artworks, hours of inspiration

Hundreds of artworks, hours of inspiration in remarkable new season of Ngā Toi | Arts Te Papa

Spectacular light installations, avant-garde Russian painting, modern Māori art and intimate portraits from New Zealand’s colonial past are just some of the remarkable artworks on show for visitors to the new season of Ngā Toi | Arts Te Papa.

The exhibition, which opens on 22 August 2014, will feature two key works created by the celebrated New Zealand artist Bill Culbert for last year’s Venice Biennale. Drop and Daylight Flotsam Venice, were seen by an international audience of more than 200,000, and are now making their New Zealand debut.

This is just one of the new exhibitions on show for the spring season of Ngā Toi | Arts Te Papa; the museum’s changing programme of art, designed to show more of the national collection. Each of the eleven galleries has been significantly refreshed, including seven completely new exhibitions. From Framing the Museum, which includes works by Barbara Kruger, Christo and Billy Apple, to Collecting Modern, which reveals the stories and personalities behind Te Papa’s collection of modern art, these exhibitions showcase international and local art works, both historical and contemporary.

Sarah Farrar, Te Papa’s Acting Senior Curator Art, says visitors will be able to dip in and out of the varied displays. “People will be able to discover the rich, experimental style of the Russian painter, Natalia Goncharova; a visual radical and one of the leading avant-garde artists of the early twentieth century. Just metres away, they can see striking works by contemporary Māori artist, Peter Robinson.

Te Papa’s Acting Chief Executive and Kaihautū, Arapata Hakiwai, says Ngā Toi | Arts Te Papa will provide visitors with hours of inspiration. “ The extraordinary range on show reflects Te Papa’s strength of collections, where tāonga, such as carvings by Tene Waitere, are displayed alongside portraits by Gottfried Lindauer and Goldie.”

This varied offering is complemented by a lively series of public events. Opening weekend celebrations with activities for all the whanau are just the start, and include a whistle-stop tour of the exhibition: five artworks, five curators, five minutes. Visitors will also find a brand new information hub and pop-up shop, where they can meet and plan their visit, and pick up a free audio guide or art detective kit.

Mr Hakiwai says the national museum is committed to creating new ways for more people to enjoy art. “Ngā Toi | Arts Te Papa is leading the way in providing an art experience for all ages. The Whare Toi | Arts Studio is a space where the public are invited to make a creative or critical response to the art on show. The collections are also being shared nationally as exhibitions from past seasons of Ngā Toi | Arts Te Papahave been touring the country.”

A dedicated website, www.arts.tepapa.govt.nz, takes art outside the gallery walls and presents virtual exhibitions alongside a treasure trove of articles and essays that students, teachers, artists and art-lovers alike can explore.

Ngā Toi | Arts Te Papa (new season). Opens 22 August 2014. Level 5, Te Papa. Free entry.

Follow this link for a rundown of artists featured in Ngā Toi | Arts Te Papa:
http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/WhatsOn/exhibitions/Pages/ArtsTePapa.aspx

Find a schedule of opening weekend events here:
http://arts.tepapa.govt.nz/events/

Visit the Arts Te Papa website here:
http://arts.tepapa.govt.nz/

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