Most exhibitions at the museum are developed in-house. Curators conceptualise exhibition ideas, manage community relationships, research and write; the collections team manage loans and object care; while the design team generate graphic and physical design.
In the development of Tuturu, Iwi Toi has been part of each stage of the decision-making.
Iwi Toi members selected 14 artworks by Michelle Nicholls, Dena Bach, Miria Pohatu, Michelle Mataira, Marama Ngawhika, Raewyn Paterson, Todd Couper, Israel Birch, Eugene Kara, Hemi Macgregor, Wilray Price, Glen Hauraki, Sandy Adsett and Shanon Hawea. Each artwork is a personal representation of what is tuturu: true, authentic, unique for the artist.
Between the artworks there are tukutuku panels, which will eventually be installed in a wharenui (meeting house) called Te Huki, in Raupunga, northern Hawke's Bay. These panels connect the artworks and give a unified feel to the exhibition.
The tukutuku were woven by Waiariki Kara, Margery Joe, Nellie Adsett, Elizabeth Hunkin, Vilma Hapi, Francis Clark, Tangi Taunoa, Julie Kira, Rene Stuart, Koaea Pene, Maraea Aranui, Jan Huata and Kathleen Miria.
Senior local artist Sandy Adsett worked closely with the museum's design team to determine the exhibition layout, colours and typography.
Some of the "rules" a gallery generally follows have been broken. Walls are usually kept plain, with simple background colours; whereas on the walls in Tuturu, six different colours have been used on individual panels to which the artworks are mounted.
With 14 artworks, six panel colours and 14 tukutuku panels, the gallery feels rich and vibrant.
The viewer is given a deep sense of wairua (spiritual connection) as well as a physical sense of being in a wharenui, full of the stories of a people.
Introductory exhibition text has been co-written with collective member Dena Bach. Each artist has written their own biographical information, as well as a short paragraph about the artwork they've contributed.
These personal statements allow the audience insight into the artists' strong connections with whakapapa, iwi, and whenua (genealogy, tribe and the land). Rather than having an objective museum voice, Tuturu shares a diversity of perspectives, highlighting both connections and individuality.
Working on Tuturu was a really lovely way to finish off my time here at MTG, before I head off to join the team at Hastings City Art Gallery in a couple of weeks.
Events
■ Cole - Michael Griffiths explores the colourful life and timeless songs of Cole Porter, February 16 and 17. Century Theatre from 7.30pm. Tickets available from Ticketek.
■ Guided Tours of the Earthquake Gallery - February 16, 17 and 18, 11am. Free with museum entry.
■Sileni Estate Opening Soiree - official opening for the Art Deco Festival, February from 5.30pm in MTG's main foyer. Sold out.
Tryphena Cracknell is from the Museum Theatre Gallery (MTG) Hawke's Bay.