Matariki

Emily Karaka, Clarissa Kirkwood, Iris Kirkwood

25 June - 16 July 2022

Online 3D virtual exhibition here.

In Māori culture, Matariki is both the name of the Pleiades star cluster and of the celebration of its first rising in late June or early July. This marks the beginning of the new year in the Māori lunar calendar. It is a time of remembrance, celebrating the present, and looking into the future.

We are excited once again to present an art exhibition showcasing mana whenua artists Emily Karaka, Clarissa Kirkwood, and Iris Kirkwood of Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki after first showing together at our gallery in a show titled ‘Three G’s’ in 2015. 

Emily Karaka was born in Auckland and is celebrated as one of New Zealand’s foremost cutting-edge painters. Often discussed as a post-modern expressionist, her work is known globally having been exhibited on all continents during her more than thirty-year career. Her work articulates a unique perspective in the cultural landscape of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Clarissa Kirkwood is 71 years of age and has lived all her life in Glen Innes. This exhibition includes all new artworks that represent her feelings for her tupuna, kaitiakitanga, and the ngahere.

Iris Teronga Kirkwood lives in Tāmaki in the tribal homeland of her iwi Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki. Her artworks for this exhibition are inspired by Matariki, focusing specifically on remembering her tupuna and lost loved ones. Her expressionistic style reflects a sombre vibrancy that includes sometimes vague, yet familiar images from Māori culture to help give context to the visions she seeks to communicate.

11 Mayfair Place, Glen Innes, Auckland

This exhibition is proudly supported by TGTB Charitable Trust through funding from Lotto NZ.