Artists buddy up for exhibition

Two of the artists exhibiting in Tuakana Teina are Emanuel Dunn (left) with Tane Mahuta, and Oriwa Morgan-Ward, with Poi Warrior. Photo / Duncan Brown

Hawke's Bay is home to a diverse range of Maori artists and designers who will be exhibiting their works at an exhibition beginning on February 1.

The exhibition, titled Tuakana/Teina, will contribute to Waitangi Day festivities in Hawke's Bay.

The kaupapa is about whakawhanaungatanga - building relationships.

Many of the artists and designers have studied at local tertiary institutions such as Toimairangi in Hastings or ideaschool at Eastern Institute of Technology.

Others have studied elsewhere but have returned to the region to practise or to teach.

Some are self-taught and others have accessed local art and craft clubs to develop their practice.

The aim of the exhibition is to bring Hawke's Bay Maori art and design communities together to celebrate creativity, have the opportunity to meet, build connections and share ideas and knowledge.

Tuakana/teina literally translates as older sibling/younger sibling of the same sex.

Exhibitors have been asked to 'buddy up' (tuakana/teina) with another artist, to support and encourage each other to get work done and be organised for this exhibition.

Financial support from Hastings District Creative Communities towards exhibition costs has assisted the organising group get this community exhibition opportunity established.

The Tuakana team of Raewyn Tauira Paterson, Eve Kireka, Emanuel Dunn and Linda Bruce are looking forward to a diversity of work arriving at the gallery - and the challenging task of curating an exhibition showcasing the riches from local creatives.

Exhibitors include acclaimed and emerging artists, art students and children, any and all who enjoy making and wish to engage in the exhibition concept.

During the two week exhibition there will be a table set up where visitors can participate and learn about the tuakana/teina concept by making a piece to add to a collaborative work.

- The exhibition is on from February 1-13, Monday to Friday from 9.30am-4pm, Saturday 10am-2pm in the Hastings Community Arts Centre.