Valuable insights into contemporary art scene

By LINDA HERRICK

TAIAWHIO: CONVERSATIONS WITH CONTEMPORARY MAORI ARTISTS

General editor Huhana Smith, with Oriwa Solomon, Awhina Tamarapa, Megan Tamati-Quennell, John Walsh

Te Papa Press $49.95

CONTEMPORARY NEW ZEALAND ART 3

By Elizabeth Caughey and John Gow

David Bateman Ltd $49.95

Both these books are important additions to the increasingly impressive body of written publications about our wonderful contemporary art scene, but there are significant differences between them.

On a superficial level, the Caughey-Gow effort has 112 pages while, at 224, the Te Papa publication doubles your value for money. Both are printed on high-quality paper with outstanding layout and photo reproduction.

Contemporary New Zealand Art 3 examines the work of 20 artists, some of whom I would have expected to see in earlier editions, such as Don Peebles, Peter Siddell, Denys Watkins, Philip Trusttum and Allen Maddox. It does include some of our most exciting younger artists - Michael Parekowhai, Shane Cotton, Yuk King Tan and Michel Tuffery - but I find the written essay accompanying each chapter a wasted opportunity. At an average of two pages for each artist they are too short to offer much more than an abbreviated summary of an artist's life and work.

That negates the book's long-term value as a reference work, although the exhibition list at the back is useful.

But who would be the audience for this book? It could make a lovely present to send to expat relatives and friends overseas, whose hearts would surely weep for home at the sight of Fatu Feu'u's frangipani flowers or Cotton's Celestial Nets.

Contemporary New Zealand Art 3 might fly away but I would fight off any attempt to prise Taiawhio out of my hot little hands. This book is superb in every sense - its production values, its depth, and in its value as a reference tome, which will never become outdated.

The work of 17 artists is explored comprehensively. Each chapter focuses on an individual or whanau (as in the Hetet Whanau) or collective (Moko Productions) who are given their voice through conversations mixed with insightful biographical material.

They talk at length about their inspirations, struggles, ancestral guidance, spiritual motivations and hopes for the future in a style that is translated into accessible and interesting prose. And the illustrations are awesome.

Of these two new books one is nice to have, the other is indispensable.