A visual feast for Matariki

MEDIA RELEASE: For immediate release, 15/06/2015

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A visual feast for Matariki

in Corban Estate Art Centre's exhibitions,
June and July 2015

Corban Estate Arts Centre welcomes Matariki, Māori New Year, with two exhibitions on display from 26 June to 26 July 2015: Jon Tootill's new exhibition Porotaka andHuahua Manu, a group show curated with Ruth Woodbury, featuring Tony Brown, Peggy Glover, Charlotte Graham, Hera Johns, Jermaine Reihana, Kahu Scott, Te Atiwei Ririnui and Ruth Woodbury. Matariki—or Puanga—is a time to come together, to take a breath to look back, look forward and share with one another. It is a time to acknowledge the evolution that continues in knowledge and art practices.

Being offered at this time is Huahua Manu, an exhibition featuring eight artists who manifest their stories through uku (clay carvings), raranga (Māori weaving), painting, drawing, printmaking and sculpture.

Curator and artist Ruth Woodbury titled the exhibition Huahua Manu, a revered recipe of preserved bird meats that would be presented to guests of honour during hakariki (ceremonial feasts). The exhibition represents a visual banquet, “prepared and presented for the audience to partake in is a visual feast - the audience are the honored guests in this occasion, our artists and their artworks are the prized highly esteemed food source,” says the curator.

Porotaka by Jon Tootill (Ngāi Tahu) is a focused series of circular kōwhaiwhai paintings and works on paper that visually investigates meaning through pattern, colour, form and arrangement. These precise compositions develop over time through methodical and extensive experimentation until pattern and meaning come into balance.

Since 2007 Jon Tootill has concentrated solely on kōwhaiwhai and koru forms in his art. “I am inclined to feel that the koru shape is a metaphor for vitality and longevity as portrayed on ‘longevity silks’ found in five thousand year old Chinese tombs that were recently on show at Te Papa,” says the artist.

Intensely bold and detailed, his painting process is inclusive of both traditional and digital techniques involving, hand drawing, drafting and editing in Photoshop, before being meticulously hand painted.

Join exhibiting artists Jon Tootill and Charlotte Graham on Wednesday 1 July forMatariki 20x20, a series of short presentation by artists and creatives that shares a wealth of Māori creativity. Our monthly Saturday Gallery Club for kids returns to the gallery on the morning of Saturday 11 July, giving children and their families a chance to explore and create bold koru patterns with Jon Tootill’s kōwhaiwhai paintings as inspiration.

-ENDS-

Exhibition details:

Exhibition one: Huahua Manu
Artists include: Tony Brown, Peggy Glover, Charlotte Graham, Hera Johns, Jermaine Reihana, Kahu Scott, Te Atiwei Ririnui and Ruth Woodbury.
Curated with Ruth Woodbury

Exhibition two: Porotaka
Artist: Jon Tootill

Opening: Thursday 25 June, 6-8pm
Exhibition dates: 26 June to 26 July, open 7 days a week, 10.30am – 4pm

Entry: Free, all welcome
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Public programmes:

Matariki 20X20
Come and hear exhibiting artists Jon Tootill and Charlotte Graham in a presentation by artists and creatives that shares a wealth of Māori creativity.
Date: Wednesday 1 July 10am-12.30pm
Entry: $5 Bookings are essential, email info@ceac.org.nz to book a place.

Saturday Gallery Club # 6: Kōwhaiwhai configurations
Using templates we will explore and create bold kōwhaiwhai patterns with Jon Tootill’s kōwhaiwhai paintings as inspiration. There are fun and free art-making sessions for families happening in the gallery every SECOND Saturday of the month. Art activities are designed for children aged 4 and upwards and run for around 30 minutes. These sessions are family friendly and children need to be accompanied by an adult.

Date: Saturday July 11 between 10.30am – 12pm
Entry: Free, all art material provided. This is a drop in art session, no bookings needed.

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Location:

Corban Estate Arts Centre, Homestead Galleries
2 Mt Lebanon Lane, Henderson, Auckland

* Google Map | 6 Minute Walk from the Henderson Train Station

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This exhibition is part of the Matariki festival 2015

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