By Matapihi Art Gallery and Raglan Old School Arts Centre
metallic sculptures for the exhibition. Image supplied
‘Matariki Manu Rere’ the flight and pathways of the rise of Matariki, remembrance, reflection & celebration of our past, our present and our future.
Exhibition Dates 28th June-19th July.
The flight and pathways of the rise of Matariki, remembrance, reflection and celebration of past, present and future. This exhibition is a collaboration between Matapihi Art Gallery and the Raglan Old School Art Centre. Both spaces will be utilized and linked for the duration of this exhibition. Exhibiting a full spectrum of Art by both local and national artists.
Celebrating Matariki Maori New Year each artists work will depict what it means for them. Some of the mediums being exhibited include sculpture, pounamu, paintings, jewellery, pottery, raranga (weaving) carvings, fabric art, clothing & more.
This exhibition has both local & national artists exhibiting, which is an opportunity for NZ artists to get together & celebrate Matariki the Maori New Year together here in Whaingaroa Raglan. Sharing their talents and work with each other as well as the public. Its great inspiration for locals to see what other artists are doing outside of our own talented community & vice versa. Bringing people together to share their Art as well as skills and knowledge during the Maori New Year.
One of the artists invited is Delicia Sampero an Artist from Titirangi Auckland.
Delicia has made large 2 metre metallic sculptures which will be displayed outdoors at both venues. Reflective & brightly coloured Kaitiaki (spiritual messengers/ guardians ) announce the Manu Rere Matariki celebrations. ‘Conference of the Birds’. Gathering on and around Matapihi Art gallery as well as the Raglan Art Centre they visually connect the two places. The conference of the birds serve to activate the exterior gathering space for the time of Matariki, inviting people to engage in celebration, conversation and contemplation. Honoring Matariki as a time for renewal and remembrance this art action is site-specific and is installed according to the formation of the physical environment of the place and the stars above (the seven sisters).
Drawing on the symbolic power of our ‘Manaia’ motif in our collective consciousness as well as drawing on the inherent meaning of the urban road-sign material (as a symbol of modern man’s means of orientation /navigation ),this work is designed to trigger peoples imaginations about the space they inhabit, where they come from and where they belong and also where they are going.
Sampero’s choice of the title “ Conference of the Birds “ references the 1000 year old poem by Persian Poet Attar, where a group of birds set out on a journey to find their legendary leader / king Simorgh . Each bird represent a human fault which prevents man from attaining enlightenment. When a group of thirty birds finally reach the dwelling place of the Simorgh, all they find is a lake in which they see their own reflection… …..
Come and celebrate Matariki with us remember loved ones passed, reflect on the year travelled respecting our past, present and dreaming up our magnificent future. Nau mai haere mai!
Opening Saturday 28 June at the Old School Arts Centre at 3pm, then flying to Matapihi Art Gallery at 6pm, with fire, live music.
Opening hours: Old School Arts Centre, 10am – 2pm,
Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Matapihi Art Gallery, 34
Bow Street, 1 0.30am – 4pm daily, except Tuesdays.