Fred Graham, tīvaevae & Ngāti Toa exhibitions open for Pātaka summer season

Artist Brett Graham was one of the many special guests at the opening of our summer season on Saturday, 6 December. Brett spoke poignantly about his father, Fred Graham, and the two exhibitions featuring Fred's work that have just opened at Pātaka: Toi Whakaata/Reflections and Katohia He Wai Moou, Katohia He Wai Mooku. These works have played an important role in New Zealand art and Maori art history, and seeing them together is magic.

Fred Graham was a pioneer of the contemporary Māori art movement; a Ngaati Koroki Kahukura artist, he developed a unique visual language that wove together western art, whakairo and Ao Māori perspectives. A committed educator and lifelong maker, Fred's influence on Māori and New Zealand art endures. Just last year, he was one of eight Māori artists invited to the Venice Biennale.

Launched alongside the two Fred Graham shows was Tipurepure ‘Au Vaine, an exhibition honouring the artistry and social importance of tīvaivai. Conceived as a living, breathing space, Tipurepure ‘Au Vaine hosts a rotating display of tīvaivai and, for one day a week, members of the collective of the same name as the exhibition will be working on-site, transforming the gallery into a communal making space and offering audiences an open invitation to observe, learn and connect. Expect plenty of laughter, sharing, chats and healthy debate!

Tipurepure ‘Au Vaine features works by Upokoina O Teariki Puia Aerengamate Tekeu, Teremoana Maua-Hodges, Te Tua O Te Rai Akaiti Eitiare-Samuel, Reuela Vaerua, Kura Maeva Hakirere Edwards, Margaret Ngametua Thompson, Teremoana Ngatoro, Mosie Maoate, Mata Tereata Stote-Blandy, Portia Tiare McQueen, Tehani Buchanan-Whaipooti, Noopai Burns, Toni Rasmussen, Apii Joseph and Turaarii Ngatupunga.

Mutumutu ki Mukukai: Freshwater to Saltwater was opened earlier on the Saturday and shares the cultural values, knowledge and enduring relationship of Ngāti Toa, as kaitiaki mana whenua, to the interconnected water sources of the region. At the heart of the exhibition is Maungaroa Puna a Kupe, the anchor stone dated 700 – 900AD, "Maungaroa anchors the enduring ties between our cultures, and our shared responsibility for healthy waterways." 

Mutumutu ki Mukukai: Freshwater to Saltwater was developed in partnership with Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and is curated by Jasmine Arthur and Te Rauparaha Horomona. Listen to broadcaster Julian Wilcox interviewing them on RNZ's Mapuna.