Art show chance to gather, recuperate

These pieces by Te Kotuku Tangohau Brown are collectively titled Whakapaupakihi Tuakana Teina.

An intimate Māori art exhibition showcasing the work of local artists of Te Aitanga a Hauiti and Uawa opened this week.

Te Huapae – Tōi Māori, Tōi Ora, Tōi Hauiti, is on at Te Whare Hauora o Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti and is presented in partnership with Toi Hauiti and supported by Te Aka Whai Ora and Te Whatu Ora.

The exhibition offers a platform of reflection, reframing and resetting of visions for the future.  The special collection of artworks on display includes whakairo (carvings), contemporary paintings, fibre work, kete, pounamu, photography, digital motion graphics and light works.  Fourteen artists are represented, with  just over 25 items on show.

“One of the focuses around the exhibit is around succession planning, bringing together the established artists and emerging artists,” says co-curator,  artist and CEO of Hauiti Hauora Kaaterina (Rina) Kerekere.

“That’s our goal — the established artists actually wrapping around support for our rangatahi artists.”

Those young artists involved in this project are Maia Kerekere, specialising in object photography, Te Kotuku Tangohau Brown (digital prints), Te Whaitiri Tangohau Kakau  (raranga kete whakairo) and Tapuhi Broughton Tuapawa  (painting).

“We want to support them to become the next artists from the region that excels. Everything we do is about excellence in art and we want to lead them, teach them, show them the pathway to advance, and help them to create their own exhibitions,”  said Rina.

She also wanted to provide a space for the artists to gather and recuperate from the toll of Cyclone Gabrielle. All the participating artists were involved in recovery response groups after the cyclone.

“We haven’t had a time to create or just rest. This exhibition is about resetting a space for artists, post-Cyclone Gabrielle,” said Rina.

That space came in the form of a shed used as the flood recovery centre for kai, and prior to that, a gym.  The building sustained damage to the roof and carpets in recent heavy rain. The floor coverings had to be pulled up and have provided a backdrop for the artwork display.

“Before the space was utilised for more community projects, we decided to have this exhibition,” said Rina.

The last art exhibition held in Uawa was some 20 years ago. It was named Te Tou Tekani, and was a reflection on the legacy of the region. A larger art exhibition is planned for  November,  at the Reynolds Hall, Tolaga Bay.

In addition to the excellence and hard work these artists have contributed, five of the group will be heading to Florence, Italy later in the year.  They will be exhibiting at The XIV edition of the Florence Biennale - International Exhibition of Contemporary Art and Design.

Te Huapae is presented by Te Whare Hauora o Te Aitanga-a- Hauiti,  an organisation that provides advocacy and support for whānau, iwi and community, based in Tolaga Bay.  With 100 percent of sales going directly to the artists, this art event has attracted local school visits and communities from across the region.

■ The exhibition is at Te Whare Hauora o Te Aitanga-a- Hauiti, 8- 12 Main Road, Tolaga Bay.

It is open from 10am- 4pm until tomorrow,  Saturday.