Matariki magic at Taupō Museum
Artist Vanessa Wairata Edwards is holding an exhibition at Taupō Museum for Matariki.
“Inspired by researching the introduction of the printing press to Aotearoa and the consequent effects on Māori, I take a close look at my own personal colonial bias,” she says.
“As a well-educated, catholic, Māori wahine I have been colonised and I examine my relationship with colonisation through the history of the printing press.”
Meanwhile, in the Main Gallery, He Tāhei Poananga will feature a collection of artworks by Toi Tūwharetoa.
Ms Winitana-Murray says Toi Tūwharetoa is a collective of artists who either whakapapa to Ngāti Tūwharetoa, or who are Māori and live within the region of Tūwharetoa. It will feature a mixture of well-established artists such as master weaver Veranoa Hetet (Ngāti Tūrangitukua), Margaret Aull (Ngāti Te Rangiita), Natalie Couch (Ngāti Rauhoto), as well as local and rangatahi artists.
“The exhibition has been curated by Raewyn Rameka, a Kaiako at the local kura kaupapa and a staunch advocate for the arts.
“She has chosen the concept of Tāhei Poananga which is the white clematis flower which grows on top of Pihanga maunga, and is connected to the Puanga star. Each artist was given a brief about this occurrence and had the opportunity to find out more and create a relative piece for the exhibition.”
Both exhibitions will have an opening night from 5pm on Friday 14 June. Taupō Museum is open from 10am to 4.30pm daily and entry is free for Taupō District residents with proof of address.
The museum will also be open to celebrate Matariki on the public holiday on 28 June. There will be a sausage sizzle and Matariki stars hidden throughout the museum to keep the young ones entertained.
