More than 300 pieces of contemporary indigenous artwork go on display today at the Auckland Art Gallery - in its largest ever exhibition.
Part of the Toi tū Toi Ora exhibition at Auckland Art Gallery. Photo: RNZ / Te Aorewa Rolleston
Toi tū Toi Ora houses pieces from 111 Māori artists, including painting, installation art, sculpture, printmaking, clay-making, photography and film.
The exhibition includes artists like Paratene Matchitt, Lisa Reihana, Reweti Arapere, and Emily Karaka.
The gallery says it welcomes the chance to bring visitors back, and to showcase seven decades worth of Māori art.
Wai o te Marama by Maureen Lander (Te Hikutu, Ngāpuhi) is among seven decades of work on display. Photo: Auckland City Gallery
Exhibition curator Nigel Borell said it has been four years in the making and the launch marks an important moment for the gallery.
He said he is proud and relieved that the exhibition is set to open but wants all the credit to go to the artists for their creations and innovations.
"It's been 20 years since any institution addressed the legacy of contemporary Māori art ... and I feel like we've really felt that in the sector, the invisibility of Māori art."
Pare to My Place by John Walsh (Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti) is one of the works in the exhibition. Photo: Ryan McCauley
He said two generations of younger contemporary Māori artists have been waiting for their opportunity "to be brought into the fold of a national story".
Hāngī, live music, talks and art-making activities will be held over the weekend to mark the opening.
Entry is free and the exhibition continues until 9 May 2021.
A Robert Jahnke installation at Toi tū Toi Ora. Photo: RNZ / Te Aorewa Rolleston