Aho Tapu / Sacred Thread showcases a wide range of weaving by both emerging and established artists. We have challenged these weavers to showcase their artistic objectives as we look towards the Māori New Year, Matariki, and to show us the directions in which the art of weaving is headed. The Sacred Thread is fluid and encases both the traditional and the contemporary.
This group exhibition includes works from Annabelle Buick, Cori Buster-Marsters, Anna Gedson, Katarina Hetet, Robin Hill, Jude Te Punga Nelson, Jess Paraone, Pru Robbie, Bernadette Ross, Sarni Scott, Laine Toia (Bespoke Weaving), Kui Topia, Riwa Wawatai (Art by Riwa), Justina Webster (Kohatu Creationz) and Sheree Willman.
My second group exhibition, celebrating Matariki at Kura Gallery here in Wellington. I feel privileged to be included in this exhibition with these talented artists.
Curated by Hannah Amundsen
Footage of the opening night at Kura Gallery. Video created by Mathew Mason. (Turn sound up)
PATIKI MATARIKI | WAITANGI - This is my mahi that is on display at this exhibition.
I’ve called this Pātiki Matariki, as I’ve incorporated 7 stars in this painting. Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars known as the Pleiades. When it rises in the north-eastern skies in late May or early June, it signals to Māori that the New Year will begin. In one tradition, Matariki is the whaea (mother) surrounded by her six daughters, Tupu-a-nuku, Tupu-a-rangi, Waitī, Waitā, Waipuna-a-rangi and Ururangi... I’ve put Matariki in the middle of this painting, surrounded by her daughters.
This particular Patiki tukutuku pattern displays a group of star near the Milky Way known as the “Coal Sack” This pattern portrays fine weather and good relationships. Pātiki (flounder) designs are based on the lozenge or diamond shape of the flounder fish. They can be quite varied in the basic shape. According to Ngāti Porou tradition, the pātikitiki significance relates to being able to provide 100% - not only for the husband, or the whānau, but for the whole iwi. It acknowledges the fact that women were always looking for ways to supplement their food supplies, even in the dark when the flounders came, while their men were sound asleep.
Inspiration from the Pātiki tukutuku pattern from the Wharenui at Waitaingi, I feel these tukutuku panel designs are special, as they don't only represent only one iwi (tribes) they represent all iwi in New Zealand.
