Fashion designer Shona Tawhiao is one of the 41 artists and designers showcasing this weekend.
People visiting the Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival this weekend are in for a treat, following an announcement today that more than 40 top Māori artists and designers will be exhibiting at the event.
A total of 41 artists will be showcasing at the festival at the Auckland Viaduct including high profile Māori activist Tame Iti, whose paintings are often influenced by his beliefs.
Fashion designer Shona Tawhiao, who has recently showcased in Paris, New York and London, is included in the line-up, alongside Rotorua designers Adrienne Whitewood and Kharl Wirepa.
Actor and carver, Lawrence Makoare, known for his recent role as the warrior in The Deadlands and other roles in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies, will also showcase.
Recent work by Tame Iti includes a mural representing for all to see as they pass through the town Tāneatua, said to be the gateway to Te Urewera.
Other major contemporary artists will be exhibiting everything from sculpture, weaving, to multi-media and digital arts.
Organisers say the festival zone will be divided into three locations.
Auckland Art Gallery is presenting works by Charlotte Graham and Emily Karaka, a digital exhibition, and Charlotte Graham doing talks and free printmaking workshops.
Next door, Auckland Council’s Activate Auckland team has curated the Toi Māori group exhibition of contemporary artists working in a range of different media, artist korero sessions, poi-making workshops, artist demonstrations, story-telling, and acoustic musical performances.
The third zone will feature the work of Māori digital content companies, including the new Pipi Mā web cartoon series, and digital apps and games which help players learn basic te reo or Māori history.
ATEED General Manager Destination Steve Armitage says the wider festival team were keen to support the Māori creative sector.
“It’s been great for our festival production team to work with the Mana Whenua Steering Group, Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland Council’s Activate Auckland team and artists across a wide range of disciplines to present festival-goers with a varied, exciting and interactive showcase of Māori creative arts.”
The festival will run from Saturday 27 to Monday 29 January.
Adrienne Whitewood recently showcased her newest Tā collection at NZ Fashion Week 2017. Source: Adrienne Whitewood, Facebook
Featured artists are:
Painters
Natasha Keating
Te Marunui Hotene
Tame Iti
Hemi Kiwikiwi
Jimmy Kouratoras
Emily Karaka
Selwyn Vercoe
Regan Balzer
Enuake Sirikige
Andy Turner (and sculpture)
Charlotte Graham (and installation)
Oil pastels
Raukura Turei
Sculpture/Carving
Nigel Scanlon
Natasha Smyser
Lawrence Makoare
Natanahira Pora
Bob Tekahiwi How
Tom Mokoare
Tai Mueli
Karam Mueli
William Theodore
Printmaking
Numangatini Mackenzie
Fashion designers
Rosanna Raymond (and taonga)
Jeanine Clarkin
Shona Tawhiao
Maehe Ranginui (and furniture)
Adrienne Whitewood
Pia Boutique
Kharl Wirepa
Dmonic Intent
Taonga
Ernesto Ovalle
Ngahina Hohaia
Weaving
Ruth Woodbury
Beronia Scott
Tanya White
Te Atiwei Ririnui
Glass
Fred Harrison
Mei Hill
Multimedia
Natalie Couch (and printmaking)
Bethany Edmonds
Tracey Tawhiao
