Ken Raureti from Ngāti Whakaue opens the exhibition. Photo/Supplied
Ken Raureti from Ngāti Whakaue opens the exhibition. Photo/Supplied
People can experience a vibrant exhibition celebrating Matariki and New Zealand's indigenous culture.
The group exhibition 'Ngā Purapura O Matariki' - The Seeds Of Matariki features works by seven local Māori artists, exploring perspectives of Matariki.
It is open to view during The Arts Village opening hours, which are Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm, until July 28.
Cian Elyse White, Arts Village community engagement co-ordinator, says the Arts Village wanted to open the opportunity to Māori artists of all artistic mediums, and use this exhibition as a platform to showcase indigenous artists and their voices.
She says 'The Seeds of Matariki' represents the seeding of new ideas, ventures, and planning for the year ahead.
A section of the art works on show. Photo/Supplied
Likewise with the exhibition, artists were invited to express what Matariki meant to them in consideration of the year that has been and the year that is to come, she says.
Cian says there is a diverse range of art works.
Some are woven pieces using Harakeke, Muka and satin to create traditional and contemporary clothes garments.
There are acrylic paintings, sketches, masks on canvas, and works constructed from 100 per cent recycled material.
"It is a vibrant show built utilising New Zealand's natural resources, such as harakeke and muka. There has not been a show like this to date here at the Arts Village."
Rotorua artist Anna Hayes of Ngāti Rakaipaaka descent says it is the first and only time she has seen such a platform for Māori artists to showcase their talent, and she had wanted to be a part of it.
Anna is a contemporary artist who uses Māori weaving techniques as the platform for her art, but experiments with ribbon, fabric and leather, so there is a combination of mediums.
The majority of her art is done using harakeke - New Zealand's native flax.
One of her works in the show is a hue (gourd) with muka (a fibre of harakeke), weka feathers and pā rera feathers.
"I think it's important in New Zealand to celebrate any Māori celebration.
"Māori are indigenous to this country so the more education we can do around ancient traditions the better."
She says it is also important for everyone who has moved to New Zealand to understand the host culture they are settling into.
Anna says she feels proud of The Arts Village and their courage in doing this inaugural exhibition, and that it opens the doors to showcase other cultures.
