Art in Embassies: Exhibition of Native Indian and Maori Art
Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Embassy, Wellington
November 30, 2006
Opening of Unique Cross-Cultural Exhibition
Ambassador William McCormick and his wife Gail will open a unique cross-cultural art exhibition at their official residence on Monday evening (4 December).
The exhibition showcases objects common to the indigenous peoples of New Zealand and the United States and juxtaposes ceremonial and spiritual objects with contemporary paintings and sculpture.
"This is the first time an exhibition of highly valuable and rare Native American historical objects has been sent on loan to an Ambassador's residence and we are exceptionally fortunate to be able to partner their display with similar Maori objects," says Ambassador Bill McCormick.
Through the State Department's "Art in Embassies" program, US Ambassadors around the world may request the loan of American art to be displayed in their official residence.
Ambassador and Mrs. McCormick chose Native American historical objects (jewelry, baskets and ceremonial items) as the core of their exhibition and the items are on loan to them from the Portland Art Museum.
To complement the pieces provided from Portland, Gail McCormick chose to include paintings by leading contemporary Native American artists from her personal collection.
The McCormicks also sought the help of Darcy Nicholas, a renowned New Zealand artist and Director of Cultural Services at Pataka Museum. Mr Nicholas provided invaluable advice and assistance that allowed the exhibition to include contemporary Maori art. Mr. Nicholas also added to the exhibition from his own extensive collection of contemporary Maori art, selecting works from artists that have been influenced by Native American art.
"Our teamwork means that the exhibition begins with historical art, then explores the contemporary expression of leading 21st century Native American and Maori artists," says Gail McCormick. "This would not have been possible without Darcy and we are extraordinarily grateful to him."
Media wishing to attend the opening of the exhibition should contact US Embassy Media Specialist Janine Burns on (04) 462 6042 or (021) 459 774 or email burnsj@state.gov and Toi Maori Aotearoa Communications Officer Jenny Knight on (04) 801 7914 or email jenny@maoriart.org.nz.