10 – 11 May
My friend was kind enough to take me to the Auckland Art Gallery over the weekend to show me their latest exhibition called Five Māori Painters which displays the works of Emily Karaka, Kura Te Waru Rewiri, Robyn Kahukiwa, Star Gossage and Saffronn Te Ratana.
Not knowing what to expect, I went in with low expectation. But I was blown away by the art. My friend knew a lot about the history of Māoris and the Treaty of Waitangi because of her previous work, so it was a very educational outing. She helped us to understand some of the symbology and ideology behind the pieces.
My favourite piece from the exhibition is Saffronn Te Ratana’s Whakarongo ki te Karanga where she uses acrylic paint and paintbrushes to create this colourful sculpture. The birds are sculped from dried acrylic paint and carefully crafted to create these colour birds. It’s very whimsical and bright, a beautiful piece!
Such an educational and artistic way to spend the weekend! And of course, we managed to fit some great food in.
The tree and birds is really cool. I love looking at new art and seeing all their influences in the paintings. The first painting reminds me of another NZ artist, Philip Clairmont.
I used to go to art galleries a lot when I was younger. When I was a student, there would be an opening every week. Free booze and free art. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world! I really must go one again.
Did you also see the Japanese Graphic exhibition fragile beauty at the Auckland Art Gallery? It just started and I hope to go real soon. http://www.aucklandartgallery.com/whats-on/events/2014/may/historic-japanese-graphic-art
We spent so long at this exhibition that we didnt have time to check out the Japanese Graphic Exhibition. Free booze and art?!? I knew I should have picked art in Uni!! No free booze in the science lab!