Toi Maori Celebrated in San Francisco
Toi Maori Aotearoa Media Release
Friday 17 October
The iconic image of the Maori waka sailing under Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco in 2005 with Maori Art Meets America was still fresh in the minds of the many San Francisco residents who visited the Toi Maori exhibition at the de Young Museum in San Francisco this past October (10 - 12 October 2008).
The exhibition of contemporary Maori art which included works for sale from some of Aotearoa’s top Maori artists was a collaboration between Toi Maori Aotearoa, Pataka Museum and the de Young Museum. The three day event involving an exhibition supported by ta moko, gallery talks, a presentation of Maori garments and weaving demonstrations is part of Toi Maori Aotearoa’s strategy to build on the relationships created in 2005 and open new markets for Maori artists in America.
Toi Maori Chairperson, Waana Davis said the foundations for exhibiting Maori art at the de Young Museum were laid in 1985 when Te Maori was shown at the institution. Although it is a new building, that relationship exists and is one that both parties are keen to continue. John E. Buchanan, Director of the de Young Museum was keen to support the continuation of this renewed relationship. He said this was “the first of many projects that will reintroduce Maori back to the museum”.
The Aotearoa return to San Francisco was also celebrated by the Ohlone Native American tribe who welcomed the Aotearoa delegation to the de Young Museum. Weaver Kohai Grace will be the artist in residence until 22 October working alongside Native American Mono weavers.
“This is an exciting opportunity for me as an artist to share ideas and art forms with other indigenous weavers but also visitors to the museum. My experience here so far has been that people are extremely interested to learn more about Maori art and culture”, said Kohai.
Darcy Nicholas, Director of Pataka Museum in Porirua said that the event is important as a vehicle for promoting the profile of Maori art in the United States. “We need to nurture the relationships that we have in America. There is a huge interest here in the vitality and quality of Maori art”.