Artist reveals power to define

Since the 1970's there has been an edge to Robyn Kahukiwa's work where social, political and gender concerns are readily apparent.
Urban dislocation, the ignorance of cultural traditions and loss of identity are all subjects
addressed by this matriarchal artist.
Her new works are no exception and Kahukiwa has completed two seminal works which
depict and incorporate defining aspects and contentious issues within Maoridom and Aotearoa.
"Resistance/Te Tohenga'' and "Power to Define'' are two large stretched canvases which
each measure three metres by two metres.
The paintings took over six months to complete and are the central works in her latest
exhibition.
"The two large works are 'theatrical' in that life-size characters are placed on a stage in front of the audience - the backdrop is Aotearoa New Zealand,'' says Kahukiwa.
Many contentious topics are addressed in these paintings relating to identity, gender, the balance of power, historical and contemporary issues.
The paintings refer to the beginning of colonialism, the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi,
biculturalism and the adoption of western culture. (e.g. the foreground in Resistance/
Te Tohenga depicts a small boy holding a greenstone mere and a cell phone).
These works continue a series of major narratives such as "Whakapapa, Birth and Death'' in 2006, "Hikoi'' from 2004 and "Nga Whawharua'' in 2001.
Robyn Kahukiwa is an important South Pacific and Maori artist who has transformed ideals and narratives onto canvas in a vital and contemporary manner.
Kahukiwa has pushed boundaries throughout her career, often combining art with an
underlying political theme. The celebration and empowerment of woman, the depiction of
Maori women in mythology and more recently her "Superhero'' (Hina) series enhance a
lengthy catalogue of powerful and arresting images.
An interesting aspect of Kahukiwa's art has been the constant fluctuation from stylised
or abstracted female forms to more realistic depictions of the figure. Traditional Maori art
reveals abstracted forms (such as the tiki figure) and Kahukiwa has developed both art forms with marked individuality.
A new series of works which complement the large works is the "Haki'' series, a group of flag paintings which depict stylised figures and manaia (heads) set against a backdrop depicting the Maori flag.
The strong design aspects of these paintings reflect traditional Maori carving designs inherent in the works and also the Maori flag, the artist's flag of choice in the current
flag design debate.
Robyn Kahukiwa: Power to Define,
Warwick Henderson Gallery
Wednesday, September 16 to October 3, 2009
Tuesday to Friday from 10am-5.30pm, Saturday from 10am-4pm or by appointment,
32 Bath St, Parnell.
Ph (09) 309 7513