We commissioned three Māori artists to create artworks for permanent display in our gallery. These commissions form part of the fabric of the building, linking it to the outside world and acting as threshold markers inside.

 

Arnold Manaaki Wilson, Anthony Wilson: He Aha Te Wa – Moments in Time, 2010

The three columns symbolise Ranginui (sky father), Papatūānuku (earth mother) and Tāne Mahuta (forest god). The carvings represent ruru or giant owls which welcome visitors into the Gallery and act as kaitiaki or guardians.

 

Fred Graham: Te Waka Toi o Tāmaki, 2011

Waka huia are treasure boxes. Fred Graham’s stone waka huia signifies the Gallery’s role as keeper of Auckland’s art treasures. The large puke or hill below the waka huia represents Rangipuke, the original Māori pā (fortified village) on Albert Park. The wave-like forms recall the local streams Te Wai o Horotiu and Waiariki.

 

Lonnie Hutchinson: Kia Ita, Tupu Te Maramatanga, Te Taumata and Nau Ka Toro, Ka Toro, 2011

The thresholds on each of the Gallery's four levels signal entry into the exhibition spaces and invite contemplation of the artworks on display. Based on traditional kōwhaiwhai (rafter painting) and elements from nature, the patterns rise up through the building like branches, uniting the old with new.

Related artworks

View Artwork

On display

He Aha Te Wa - Moments in Time
He Aha Te Wa - Moments in Time

Arnold Manaaki Wilson Anthony Wilson

On display

Production date
2010
Medium
kauri
Credit line
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, commissioned 2011
Accession no
2011/16/3.1-3
View Artwork

On display

Te Waka Toi o Tāmaki
Te Waka Toi o Tāmaki

Fred Graham

On display

Production date
2011
Medium
Jurassic stone
Size (h x w)
1135 x 2670 x 40 mm
Credit line
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, commissioned 2011
Accession no
2011/16/2
View Artwork

On display

Kia Ita
Kia Ita

Lonnie Hutchinson

On display

Production date
2011
Medium
American oak
Credit line
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, commissioned 2011
Accession no
2011/16/1/1
View Artwork

On display

Tupu Te Maramatanga
Tupu Te Maramatanga

Lonnie Hutchinson

On display

Production date
2011
Medium
American oak
Size (h x w)
2980 x 1310 x 50 mm
Credit line
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, commissioned 2011
Accession no
2011/16/1/3
View Artwork

On display

Te Taumata
Te Taumata

Lonnie Hutchinson

On display

Production date
2011
Medium
American oak
Size (h x w)
2965 x 1636 x 50 mm
Credit line
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, commissioned 2011
Accession no
2011/16/1/4
View Artwork

On display

Nau Ka Toro, Ka Toro
Nau Ka Toro, Ka Toro

Lonnie Hutchinson

On display

Production date
2011
Medium
American oak
Size (h x w)
2720 x 865 x 50 mm
Credit line
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, commissioned 2011
Accession no
2011/16/1/2