International presence growing for Maori arts
Maori artists travelling internationally contribute a unique perspective to the world.
The highest Maori arts profile this year was granted to artists Jacqueline Fraser and Peter Robinson. Their art works continue to represent New Zealand at the Venice Biennale until early November, and are profiled in a July issue of TIME magazine.
Also attending the Biennale was Pounamu Kai Tahu. National Weavers chair Cath Brown presented a paper at a conference in Hawaii, prior to joining Ngai Tahu in Venice.
Sculptor Wi Taepa traveled to Santa Fe New Mexico to exhibit at the Glenn Green Galleries. Hec Busby and waka builders visited Hawaii for a waka festival, and Hotu Kerr was there for a conference on waka. Tilly Mathews and Tina Wirihana traveled to Tasmania, as did weavers Kohai Grace and Pip Devonshire of Te Wananga o Raukawa. Moana Maniapoto, Te Rangi Kaihoro, Logan Shipgood and June Grant were contributors in Italy for 'Maori in Florence'.
Evergreen State College in Washington State hosted 'Return to the Swing' from 23-31 July 2001. This international gathering of contemporary artists was modeled on the 1995 Contemporary Indigenous Arts Symposium at Apumoana Marae, Rotorua. Gathering leaders Sandy Adsett, June Grant, Tina Wirihana and Darcy Nicholas were accompanied by a number of Toihoukura students, who also exhibited in Hawaii on their way home.
In August, filmmakers Nga Aho Whakaata will present Maori films as the major showcase of the Douarnenez 24th Film Festival in Brittany, France. Sculptor Riki Manuel will also attend.
Dancer Jackie Gray also heads off to France, while Diane Prince travels to India to exhibit. Toni Huata takes her music to the USA, while Mere Boynton and Chytania Smith visit Brazil, Chile and Rapanui later in the year.
In March 2002, artists from Canada and USA will travel to New Zealand to participate in Toi Maori's exhibitions and workshops at Pataka in Porirua as part of the International Festival of Arts. This biennial event provides for Toi Maori an opportunity to host a cross section of artists from these exchanges and exhibit Maori art in the festival.