The word Matarau refers to a multi-pronged spear used for fishing and eeling by early Māori. As a hunter or wayfinder must understand the shifting conditions around them to fulfil their purpose; the work of the artists in Matarau draw from a strong sense of who and where they are as a compass for their own practice.
For these artists, lived experience and their artwork are completely connected. The same can be said for the ideas and realities that drive their making. Whakapapa, the environment, politics, and love are systems that are not linear, often connected while being inseparable from our daily experience. The works within Matarau traverse aspects of daily life while being connected to deep set ideas spurred on by artistic imagination.
As our sense of a predictable daily existence has become completely fraught, the value of art that accepts life as a verb has become more pressing and vital. Matarau acknowledges practices that hold the multi-faceted social awareness that art and life now demand of us all.
Matarau is curated by Shannon Te Ao for City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi. It includes new works by Robyn Kahukiwa, Emily Karaka, Hemi Macgregor, Ming Ranginui, Kei te pai press, and James Tapsell-Kururangi.
Bio: Graham Frost Kaiwhakahaere Hono Hāpori | Public Programmes Specialist Toi. Graham has worked for City Gallery Wellington in various capacities for over seven years. He currently holds the position of Public Programmes Specialist – Toi with a specific interest in community engagement and accessibility. He graduated in 2015 with a Masters in Fine Art from Massey University Place, history and cultural memory are core tenets of his arts practice. Graham also works as Associate Director at The Performance Arcade and has previously taught at Massey University and Toi Whakaari.
Parking at Te Papa is included, and tickets will be validated upon arrival.
Please gather in the foyer of the City Gallery by 11.15am. We can enjoy coffee together at Nikau Cafe afterwards ( at own cost)