Pou Aho – Pillars of light with Maureen Lander, Israel Tangaroa Birch and Robert Jahnke

12.30-2pm

event Details

Join artists Maureen Lander, Israel Tangaroa Birch and Robert Jahnke in Te Pō - the perpetual night, of the landmark exhibition Toi Tū Toi Ora in this artist floortalk. The trio will speak to their respective taonga (artworks) Wai O Te Marama, Ara-i-te-uru and Ripeka which explore dimensions of night, shadow and form that exist in the darkness of Te Pō, delving into ideas about states of being and transformation.

Tēnei te pō, nau mai te ao!

Maureen Lander (Te Hikutu, Ngāpuhi) is a multi-media installation artist who has exhibited locally, nationally and internationally since 1986. She has a Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Elam School of Fine Arts, Auckland University, and her contemporary artwork draws inspiration from woven fibre pieces in museum collections as well as from her research into early illustrations in library collections. In 2019 she received a Te Waka Toi ‘Kingi Ihaka’ award for lifetime achievement and in 2020 she was awarded a Queen’s Birthday MNZM honour for her contribution to Māori art.

Israel Tangaroa Birch (Ngāpuhi, Ngai Tawake, Ngāti Kahunungu, Ngāti Rakaipaaka) holds a visual arts degree from the Eastern Institute of Technology, Ahuriri/Napier, and a Masters in Māori Visual Arts from Massey University’s Toioho ki Āpiti, Te Papa-i-Oea/Palmerston North. Birch’s works are made through a process of etching, grinding and shaping stainless steel. He uses pattern and repetition to engage with light, shape and form. Through this work, he acknowledges the influence of whakairo (carving), the relationship between Te Ao Mārama (the world of light) and Te Pō (the perpetual night), issues of the environment and our relationship to the landscape, and the intangible aspects of te ao Māori (the Māori world).

Robert Jahnke was born in Waipiro Bay (East Coast of the North Island) in 1951 of Ngāi Taharora, Te Whānau a Iritekura, Te Whānau a Rakiroa o Ngāti Porou descent. He was recently appointed a Fellow of the Royal Society for his contribution to Māori research and development. In 2017 he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year Honours list in recognition of services to Māori art and education. Jahnke is responsible for setting up the first Maori Visual Arts degree in a university. He contributes to Māori Development through his teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate level, his research into traditional Maori carving and his academic writing straddling art education, contemporary and traditional Maori art, and identity politics.

Date

12.30-2pm

Location
Toi Tū Toi Ora, Ground floor
Cost
FREE

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