Matau Ranga - Sharing Knowledge

The Whangarei Mid Winter Arts Festival 2010 is proud to present the Matau Ranga (Knowledge) exhibition in the Old Library.

This exhibition and demonstration of Maori art, carving, traditional tools and fibre techniques is a celebration of shared knowledge.

Lead artist Wiremu Wilson-Diamond will set up a working studio during the Mid Winter Arts Festival and work alongside artists from the local Kawakawa community to produce a sculpture that showcases the dynamism and beauty that can be achieved when knowledge is shared.

In addition to being able to view these artists whilst they work during the weekend, they will be giving a free demonstration on traditional Maori tools, musical instruments and fibre techniques from 1 – 2pm on Saturday and Sunday and carving wooden sculptures, musical instruments and making muka (flax fibre) kete. Taonga (treasures) such as pounamu jewellery and carvings will also be available for sale.

Wiremu owns and runs Waka Huia Treasure Trove & Studio – a gallery and working studio in Kawakawa where he also tutors Maori art and sculpture to members of our community. It is these emerging artists who he will be collaborating with during the festival.

Wiremu Wilson-Diamond – lead artist, specialist in traditional tools
Mike Harris – wood sculpture
Opai Heta – musical instruments and sculpture
Sue – muka (flax fibre) kete

Stone & music demonstration 1 – 2pm on Saturday and Sunday (free entry)

For more information on our work see www.newzealandmaoriart.co.nz. For more information on the festival see www.mwaf.co.nz

The literal translation for Matau ranga = intertwined fish hooks but as one word it means knowledge.

Event listed by Melissa Irace

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