Maori art centre stage in Far North show

This work by Theresa Reihana will be among those on show at Kerikeri's Art Bungalow.

Seven of the country's leading Maori artists are to exhibit during the Pacific Edge exhibition starting this Friday evening in Kerikeri.

The show will include artists belonging to the Toi Iho - or "Maori made" - scheme, together with other established and emerging artists. They will show a range of paintings, hand built clay, glass, woven and visual arts at the Art Bungalow.

Toi Iho gallery principal at the Art Bungalow, Pat Durham, says this is the first time such a comprehensive range of authentic Maori artwork has been shown in the Far North.

Mr Durham says there is an insistence on authenticity and quality, with Toi Iho being the registered trademark of authenticity and quality for Maori arts and crafts.
The trademark is designed to authenticate exhibitions and performances of Maori arts by Maori artists and, when attached to artwork, guarantees it was created by someone of Maori descent and assures quality.

In recognition of the Art Bungalow's initiatives to support Maori art, it has recently been awarded the Toi Iho mark as the Far North's first and only licensed Toi Iho gallery.

Mr Durham says art at the Pacific Edge exhibition is probably the most comprehensive collection of quality Maori art to be shown in the north and is a celebration of Maori and New Zealand art.

"It's rare to see work of this standard anywhere and people of all ages and backgrounds should make an effort to see it," he said.

The exhibition is likely to become an annual event.

Toi Iho artists involved in the exhibition are Manos Nathan, Erenora Puketapu-Hetet, Colleen Waata-Urlich, Andrea Hopkins, Julie Kipa, Rangi Kipa and Gabrielle Belz.

Established and well known emerging artists include Theresa Reihana, Cameron Webster, Rhonda Halliday, Ko Te Ahua, Shona Firman, Janine Whitelaw and Stacey O'Neill.

The exhibition runs for two weeks until January 28.