Matariki exhibition at Waikato Museum portrays stars as superheroes

Maiangi Waitai: Atea-a-Rangi-Interstellar exhibition 2019 at The Dowse Art Museum. Photo / Shaun Mathews

Waikato Museum is one of the venues hosting Matariki celebrations and has just opened a new exhibition themed according to the celebrations.

Maiangi Waitai: Ātea-ā-Rangi - Interstellar is the name of the exhibition that reimagines oral history traditions related to the Matariki constellation and explores empowerment, generosity, gratitude and protection of culture and the environment.

Ātea-ā-Rangi—Interstellar is a project of New Zealand artist Maiangi Waitai and toured by the Dowse Art Museum. For the exhibition, Waitai created a superhero figure for each star, complete with its own packaging, to offer a different perspective on the time of renewal that begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster.

Waikato Museum director Cherie Meecham says this vibrant exhibition is a fun and educational experience for the whole whānau, bursting with bright colours and cross-cultural characters.

"I'm delighted we're in a position to open this unique new exhibition. We will take visitors on a journey of celebration and discovery to signal the Māori New Year. If there's one place to celebrate Matariki this year, it's here at Waikato Museum."

Maiangi Waitai: Ātea-ā-Rangi—Interstellar runs at Waikato Museum until 29 August, daily from 10am to 5pm. Entry is free.

Details of the Matariki celebrations and other exhibitions at Waikato Museum are available here www.waikatomuseum.co.nz

For the Matariki ki Waikato Festival programme click here.