Pātaka Art + Museum has unveiled its summer season with three dynamic exhibitions that blend activism, tradition, and cross-cultural dialogue. Opened Saturday, these exhibitions offer visitors a fresh perspective on art as a medium for storytelling and connection.
The headline exhibition, Diane Prince: Activist Artist, showcases the powerful works of Diane Prince (Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Whatua, and Ngāti Kahu), an artist whose practice spans painting, weaving, set design, and installation art. Known for her commitment to Māori rights and the rights of Māori women, Prince’s multimedia artworks explore the intersection of art and activism. Reflecting on 50 years since the Māori Land March, her recreated works aim to engage a new generation with their evocative messages, emphasizing art’s role in New Zealand’s socio-political history.
Rangirua (Two Minds) presents two artist pairings—jewellers Neke Moa and Rowan Panther, and mark-makers Gabrielle Amodeo and Martin Thompson. This exhibition delves into the dialogues that arise when diverse practices are juxtaposed, revealing the creative synergy and contrasts between the artists’ visions.
In Taku Hoe, artists from across Te Moananui a Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean) come together to explore Pacific identity and history. A highlight is Cry of the Stolen People – Black Birding of the Tokelau Islands, an audio-visual installation by Porirua-based Tokelauan artists Jack Kirifi, Moses Viliamu, Matthew Lepaio, and the late Zac Mateo. This poignant piece brings attention to the largely overlooked history of Pacific slavery, allowing audiences to reflect on the enduring impact of these narratives.
In mid-December, Pātaka will add a fourth exhibition, Boro – Timeworn Textiles from Japan. This collection honours the textile art of boro, an intricate method of fabric repair using sashiko stitching, celebrating the artistry of unnamed Japanese women who preserved family textiles over generations.
For more details, visit pataka.org.nz.