Signing - Next amazing Exhibition at Academy Galleries   28 Jan 2015

Academy Galleries

Signing

The New Zealand Academy of Fine Art’ latest exhibition is commemorating 175 years since the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi featuring selected works from the membership and friends supported by exciting invited artists exhibiting contemporary Maori art.

“Signing” is meant to capture the essence of the experience of putting a signature to paper. The “signings” on the actual Treaty document have fascinated people for 175 years. How did they feel? What were the thoughts? What did signing mean and what does it mean today? Artists were asked to respond to these and other questions. The result is a very thought-provoking exhibition of wide-ranging results.

Among the artists exhibiting is Darcy Nicholas whose career in New Zealand and overseas Art and Arts Administration has been a powerful force for emerging Maori artists and others. He has prepared brand-new work for the exhibition.

Also in the exhibition is Tracey (Huxford) Morgan who has been a leading figure in Raranga or Maori weaving. She is currently lead tutor in Raranga at Te Wananga o Aotearoa in Porirua. Her new work will illustrate again how she pushes the boundaries of weaving as she explores constantly renewed ideas.

Barry Te Whatu, most recently a tutor at Weltec, brings the results of all his research into the origins of Maori spinning tops.

These are just some of the artists representing “mana whenua”. From further afield is Gareth McGhie who started his work at Weta, and who is now teaching, will exhibit some very special new carving and adornment.

Another exhibitor is Linda Munn who was the co-designer of the Maori flag we all know well. She is joined by Roka Hurihia Ngarimu- Cameron (MNZM), Simon Kaan, Ron Te Kawa, Suzanne Tamaki, Jo Torr, Philip Sharpe and others.

The Academy membership have also submitted a diverse selection of works. In the tradition of supporting contemporary art the Academy artists’ works reveal diverse use of media with works especially completed for the exhibition. In fact this exhibition was so thought provoking that one of the Academy artists who lives in London has submitted work.

“Signing” is a truly exciting exhibition and follows a tradition of the Academy showing support for a diverse range of artistic topics and support for many cultures as seen in previous exhibitions such as Matariki, and the recent Chinese – New Zealand artists. Signing should bring about discussion, debate but, most of all, fun. Visitors will see a wide range of media and approaches to the artists’ interpretation of the subject and their reaction to Te Tirito o Waitangi.

The Academy is always ready to welcome new artists. The Academy Galleries at 1 Queens Wharf are some of the most beautiful spaces in the city. For more information or to join as a friend or member please ring (04) 499 8807

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