Whenua Hou: New Māori Ceramics

MEDIA RELEASE 20th FEBRUARY 2017

For immediate release

IMAGE CREDIT: Davina Duke, Takaoreore. Photo by Ellie Smith

WHENUA HOU
NEW MAORI CERAMICS

27 Febuary – 21 May 2017

A new exhibition at Whangarei Art Museum Te Manawa Toi showcases a survey of current uku (clay) practice, and the work is likely to be quite different from what you may have seen before.

Whenua Hou: New Māori Ceramics features the diverse work of 8 Māori artists who explore a range of responses to the physical and conceptual properties of this very tactile artform. The exhibition includes work from Dan Couper, Davina Duke, Stevei Houkamau, Hera Johns, Tracy Keith, Jess Paraone, Hana Rakena and Aaron Scythe.

The touring exhibition is curated by Karl Chitham, Director Tauranga Art Gallery, and Kim Paton, Director Objectspace and generously supported by First Sovereign Trust.

The project came about as a response to the successful Uku Rere: Kaihanga Uku and Beyond. Developed and toured by Pataka Art + Museum, this exhibition was on display at Tauranga Art Gallery from May until August last year.

“Whenua Hou: New Māori Ceramics is a snapshot in the evolution of uku practice as it exists today,” Karl says.

“It has a unique flavour, highlighting the diverse approaches of each artist, while also making a distinct statement about contemporary Māori art produced today,” he says.

The exhibition will include a body of work from each of the participating artists which will be a mix of new and existing pieces representing a broad range of forms and approaches to clay.

Whenua Hou: New Māori Ceramics can be seen at Whangarei Art Museum from February 27 – May 21 2017.

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