The ‘Matariki Manu Rere’ exhibition on the flight and pathways of the rise of Matariki, opened on June 28th at Matapihi Gallery in Bow St and the Raglan Old School Arts Centre in Stewart St. The exhibition, a collaboration between Matapihi Art Gallery and the Raglan Old School Art Centre is about remembrance, reflection and celebration of our past, our present and our future will be open until 19th July. A full spectrum of art by both local and national artists is on display.
Opening hours: Old School Arts Centre, 10am – 2pm, Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Matapihi Art Gallery, 34 Bow Street, 1 0.30am – 4pm daily, except Tuesdays.
The exhibition opened on Saturday 28th June at the Old School Arts Centre at 3pm, then the guests ‘flew’ to Matapihi Art Gallery at 6pm, to continue with fire in braziers and live music from West Coast Jazz.
Celebrating Matariki Maori New Year each artist’s work depicts what it means for them. Some of the mediums being exhibited by the twenty five artists include sculpture, pounamu, paintings, jewellery, pottery, raranga (weaving) carvings, fabric art, clothing & more.
One of the artists exhibiting is Delicia Sampero from Titirangi, Auckland. Delicia has made large 2 metre high metallic sculptures which will be displayed outdoors at both venues. Reflective and brightly coloured Kaitiaki (spiritual messengers/ guardians ) announce the Manu Rere Matariki celebrations. ‘Conference of the Birds’. Gathering on and around Matapihi Art gallery as well as the Raglan Art Centre they visually connect the two places. The conference of the birds serve to activate the exterior gathering space for the time of Matariki, inviting people to engage in celebration, conversation and contemplation. Honouring Matariki as a time for renewal and remembrance this art action is site-specific and is installed according to the formation of the physical environment of the place and the stars above (the seven sisters).
Drawing on the symbolic power of our ‘Manaia’ motif in our collective consciousness as well as drawing on the inherent meaning of the urban road-sign material (as a symbol of modern man’s means of orientation /navigation ),this work is designed to trigger people’s imaginations about the space they inhabit, where they come from and where they belong and also where they are going.
Come and celebrate Matariki with us remember loved ones passed, reflect on the year travelled respecting our past, present and dreaming up our magnificent future. Nau mai haere mai!
Opening hours: Old School Arts Centre, 10am – 2pm,
Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Matapihi Art Gallery, 34
Bow Street, 1 0.30am – 4pm daily, except Tuesdays.