Titokowaru's Dilemma

A masterful lithographic suite inspired by the exploits of Taranaki Titokowaru, a charismatic leader and advocate for peace during the 19th century New Zealand land wars.

Accompanying the exhibition is a catalogue with contributions by Elizabeth Rankin, James Belich, Giovanni Tiso, Anne Salmond and Keri Hulme.

The protagonist of Marian Maguire’s new print series is an impressive figure of nineteenth-century Taranaki.

Titokowaru was a trained Maori tohunga but a Christian convert; an advocate of peace but an outstanding military strategist; a powerful and charismatic leader but one who lost the support of his followers. This complexity makes him an absorbing subject for Maguire, whose prints challenge simplistic readings of colonial history.

All artworks courtesy of Papergraphica Exhibition toured by Exhibition Services Tours