Whenua ki te Whenua - Promised Land

To mark the beginning of the Maori New Year, Matariki, Toi Gallery opens its annual Matariki exhibition, titled “Whenua ki te Whenua - The Promised Land”. Curator Paora Toi Te Rangiuiaia says “The use of both Maori and English titles is an invitation to explore the differing paradigms that deal with tangata and whenua, nationhood and commodity. The English title ‘The Promised Land’ is borrowed from the Biblical text of “The Promised Land.” This title introduces ideas of an exodus, a Diaspora seeking the promised land; a new land that brings new hopes and gives life to those in seeking.

These titles posit a promise, a land bequeathed, a legacy, an inheritance, and an obligation to the inheritance. What then are the rules/intention of the promise land, its uses/ utilities and management/ stewardship? Are there differing views”.

The artists involved include Chris Bailey, Ku Bailey, Lorna Dixon - Rikihana, Anton Forde, Ruatoto Henry, Te Ao Marama Ngarimu, Glendale Rangihaeata, and Toi Te Rangiuaia who explore these ideas with works alongside those of senior art students from Waiheke High School.

Ku Bailey has created highly detailed curved taniko wall panels with her works referencing those traditional journeys taken in search of new land drawing on specific stories of her Te Aupouri tribe, while Paora Toi Te Rangiuaia has a created a new collection of works in both South Island reef jade and bronze that reference feathers and specific birds for their symbolism with regards to the responsibility of leading ones people.

Weaver Te Aomarama Ngarimu with be showing for the first time since completion an extremely fine kete muke that includes the feathers of Tui, Kereru and Kiwi. If you have gifted any feathers to Ngarimu over the recent months you will want to come and see how the birds have been celebrated in this piece. Larger scale sculptural works in the show include carved totara works by Chris Bailey and 120 year old Puriri fence posts from the old Kennedy Farm on Kennedy Point carved and given new life by Anton Forde.

Strong textured paintings by Glendale Rangihaeata and finely detailed pen drawings by Ruatoto Henry will show alongside some stunning artworks by students of Waiheke High School to round out a show which has something for everyone.