Wahine toa art examines Treaty issues
The work of five female artists with reputations for pushing boundaries features in a new exhibition at Expressions.
Waitangi Wahine marks the 175th anniversary of the signing of Te Tiriti o te Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi and showcases works using a variety of media from big name artists Robyn Kahukiwa, Linda Munn, Suzanne Tamaki, Tracey Tawhiao and Andrea Hopkins.
Curator Chriss Doherty-McGregor says the exhibition is very provocative
‘‘Essentially this group of work is in response to the impact of the Treaty and its effect on Maori today.
‘‘Together the artists featured here provide political statements on this debate, on the significance and status of Aotearoa/New Zealand’s founding document and the intention, spirit or principles of the Treaty. ‘‘
English and Maori versions of the Treaty, signed in 1840, have caused disputes. Some Maori believed that the Governor would have authority over the settlers alone; others thought that were giving up the government over their lands but retaining the right to manage their own affairs. The precise nature of the exchange within the Treaty of Waitangi remains a matter of debate today and is the impetus of the works featured in the show.
Kapiti’s Robyn Kahukiwa (Ngati Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Ngati Hau, Ngati Konohi, Whanau a Ruatapere) is a staunch supporter of Maori rights and the power and prestige of Maori women. She has been exhibiting nationally and internationally for more than four decades.
Another featured artist is Linda Munn (Nga Puhi, Ngai te Rangi, Te Atiawa, Ngai Tahu). Munn had been involved in protest art since the 1980s, when art became a media used to comment on current issues. In 1989 she collaborated with two other Whangarei mums in one of their kitchens to design the Tino Rangatiratanga flag, which has been acknowledged as a symbol of Maori sovereignty and used in protest marches and demonstrations throughout New Zealand. The flag features in much of the work in the exhibition.
Suzanne Tamaki’s (Maniapoto, Tuhoe, Te Arawa) large scale photographs also feature using provocative fashion photography to agitate discussions about colonisation, with wahine toa ( women of strength) featuring prominently.
Tracey Tawhiao (Ngai te Rangi, Whakatohea, Tuwharetoa) is a writer, performance poet, filmmaker, qualified lawyer and leading Maori artist based in Auckland. Her artworks are made from newspaper where Tawhiao uses Maori symbols and motifs to ‘‘rewrite’’ and recreate news stories from an alternative, Maori perspective. By obscuring certain words in a headline or passages of an article, and layering sheet of newspaper she changes the focus of each news item and changes the often negative editorial slant.
Andrea Hopkins from Northland takes everyday identities and Maori motifs and places them against delicately brushed landscapes, conveying messages of duality and strength.
Suzanne Tamaki, who grew up in Upper Hutt, will be doing an artist talk on Sunday, April 19 at 1pm about aspects of the works on show.