Term 3 Week 4, 2011

Contemporary Maori Art. Yes, we've saved some of the best 'till (nearly) last.
In case you thought it was going to be all red, black and white, think again. Some of it will be, but be prepared for the unexpected, (a bit like the exams).

It seems incredible that until the 1984 exhibition Te Maori at the Metropolitan Museum, New York, Maori Art had not been considered as central to the identity of Aotearoa.
Even in NZ, it had rarely been viewed outside a few dusty displays in museums or on marae.
Luckily for us, Maori art forms have developed into political, social and cultural icons of our modern lives; by 2001 Maori artists were representing NZ on the world stage and a universal voice had been acknowledged for the artists we will be looking at.
One of the many visionary figures in this movement to highlight Maori art was Gordon Tovey.
He targeted young Maori trainee teachers to encourage participation in a bicultural arts education. Many of these teachers became the grandaddy's of Maori art today: Hotere, Matchitt,Adsett and many more.

We are well accustomed to seeing both traditional and contemporary images of Maori Art but need to remain mindful of whether they are appropriate, original or just tacky tourist goods.

Throughout this amazing topic we will be referring to the main themes of:
Our artists for this topic are:

Others not to be overlooked: Lisa Reihana, Shona Rapira Davies,
Hemi Macgregor and finally, the fabulous feminist, Emare Karaka.

This is our last post before revision kicks in - study well and purposefully.
You have been well prepared, the rest is up to you.

He moana pukepuke e ekengia e te waka.
A choppy sea can be navigated.
(persevere in your revision)

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