Nation's art out of the closet

Four exhibitions have opened this week at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, extending the space for art by 1500 sq m.

But that has still not stopped criticism of the way the museum displays the national art collection.

Prime Minister Helen Clark, a critic of the amount of space Te Papa devotes to displaying art, opened the exhibitions in four new galleries, which have cost cost $4.7 million.

Helen Clark, who is also the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, said it was fantastic that more of the museum's art collection was on show, but added that continued debate on how Te Papa chose to display its art was also a good thing.

Te Papa chief executive Dame Cheryll Sotheran said she expected people to be impressed by what was on show but accepted that not everyone would be.

"Without wishing to sound defensive, that probably is the case. I choose, as I have always done, to see that as constructive ... Discussion is good.

"If there's a discussion to be had about the spaces, we are up to that. But I have to say there is no guarantee the support for the spaces will be universal."

Te Papa has been criticised for its decision to mount displays in rotating rather than permanent exhibitions in the new galleries.

It has also been criticised for having cut by almost a third the amount of space devoted to New Zealand's European history on level four to make room for gallery space on level five.

Dame Cheryll said the reduction was temporary and the museum would have larger, permanent displays of Pakeha history within two years.

The $4.7 million revamp - Te Papa is now in its fourth year - includes better access to the art galleries, which comprise a large, new gallery on level five, a smaller gallery on level six and new exhibition space on level four.

The four exhibitions, which opened on Wednesday, are:

* Sightlines, which is divided into eight themes and made up of large, Te Papa-owned works by some of New Zealand's most notable painters. It includes sections on Colin McCahon, New Zealand landscapes, abstract art in New Zealand and classic American photography.

* Masquerade, which is made up of exhibits exploring romance and courtship.

* Made in New Zealand, which traces stories of New Zealand's distinctive visual and material culture.

* Off The Wall, which features works from the museum's collection of ceramics.

Most of the national art collection belonging to Te Papa is from Wellington's old National Gallery.

Its former director, Luit Bieringa, is unhappy that none of the art works will be on permanent display.

He said: "The big question is, 'Is this the answer to [displaying] the national collection?'

"It's not a permanent site."

- STAFF REPORTER, NZPA