Light shines on history

Maata Te Taiawatea, c.1957-1960 by Sidney Moko Mead
Collection of Hawke’s Bay Museums Trust, Ruawharo Tā-ū-rangi, 85/20/1

Open today is The Light Shone Clear: History. Perspectives. Art. It’s an exhibition that looks at times and events that have shaped Te Matau-a-Mauī/Hawke’s Bay and Aotearoa. It also brings together a wonderful selection of artworks from the Hawke’s Bay Museum’s Trust collection. Each piece in the exhibition offering a view on the past.

What is a bit special about the exhibition is that it brings some significant works out of the collection. This region’s collection is extraordinary, not just in size—although, by comparison, if you take just the Trust’s art collection, it is equal in size to the entire collection of the Dowse Art Museum—but for the number of exceptionally high quality of works in the collection.

Over the last few years, due to the support of the MTG Foundation, the Trust has been able to make some important acquisitions. Among others, a large piece by Ayesha Green (Ngāti Kahungunu), which has recently been on loan to City Gallery in Wellington; and an important work, Ringatu by Paratene Matchitt. Recently, the Trust was gifted a fantastic piece by artist Greer Twiss, Hobson’s Baggage. This will be the first time these large works have come out of storage to be shown at the museum. These fine pieces will sit alongside art works by Philippa Blair, Tony Fomison, Sandy Adsett, and Fiona Pardington.

Central to the exhibition is a recognition of the historical themes embedded within many of the art works. From reflections on land ownership to critiques of periods in history, the artworks offer a window into the complexities of the past.

Alongside overtly political art works, there are those that simply capture the essence of their era, providing a snapshot of bygone times.

What these artworks have in common is their ability to convey unique perspectives; every artwork being a window into an attitude, a point of view. Through the artist’s work, often marginalised or overlooked voices are brought to the forefront, enriching our understanding of the past and challenging dominant narratives.

Now that the history of Aotearoa is being taught in schools, it’s important to give art a real place in telling our stories. We hope that art can open students up to new perspectives, the exhibition serving as catalysts for deeper inquiry, fostering empathy and a more nuanced comprehension of our collective history.

One artwork that encapsulates this ethos is Sidney Mead’s carved portrait Maata Te Taiawatea, created between 1957 and 1960.

The 1950s and 1960s marked a pivotal time among Māori artists, who were reconciling their experiences of both Māori and Pākehā worlds and considering how customary approaches to art making interfaced with international art movements. Mead, reflecting on that time, wrote ‘Māori artists trained in the art schools of the Pākehā are spearheading a movement to change the face of Māori art more radically than ever before.’

In Maata Te Taiawatea, Mead pays homage to his Tūhourangi and Ngāti Awa grandmother, Te Taiawatea Rangitūkehu, a figure renowned for her diplomatic advocacy for tribal land ownership. In carving his ancestor, Mead’s work aligns with the tradition of ancestral carvings that hold narratives of whakapapa. In Te Taiawatea Rangitūkehu’s spiralling hair – likened to currents in the sea – Mead represents oral traditions, where Māori carving originates from the sea. More contemporary however, is the sculpture’s sleek, glossy finish and absence of surface decoration which shows the influence of international modernism on the work.

In this way, The Light Shone Clear: History. Perspectives. Art. not only celebrates the artistic power in the Trust’s collection but also serves as a testament to the enduring power of art to critically reflect on who we are and how we live.

Published in the Hawke’s Bay Today newspaper 13 April 2024 and written by Toni MacKinnon, Art Curator at MTG Hawke’s Bay.

Talented team thrives amid challenges

This year started out well and we were hopeful for a ‘normal’ year after our years of Covid-19. Cyclone Gabrielle very quickly put paid to those ideas, reeking devastation and chaos across the region. Like everyone, the day after the cyclone, we were in a state of shock and confusion. Being part of Napier City Council many of our staff were able to join in the initial response undertaking tasks such as, preparing and serving meals, doing deliveries, welfare checks, etc. Other staff utilised their specialised skills helping with issues such as providing archival boxes for koiwi unearthed during the cyclone, providing advice on immediate treatment for taonga and helping individuals understand how to preserve textiles and other items they had rescued or recovered from the water and silt.

Although lawlessness was exhibited by some, the vast majority of the community were helping out in any way they could, and it was wonderful to see such great community spirit on display. Following the immediate aftermath, we were approached by EIT to see if we could help with a temporary home for some of their students and were pleased to find a space for them.

Despite the incredibly difficult start to the year the talented team at MTG Hawke’s Bay Tai Ahuriri still managed to complete eight exhibitions and displays. A highlight for many was Refuge in Fashion: Minh Ta, which displayed our wonderful collection of Minh Ta costumes – many of which were award winners. At the opening a number of people dressed in their own Minh Ta outfits, which was a lovely sight and a tribute to a truly talented person. Another local legend was celebrated in Making A Mark: the work of Fane Flaws. Many around Te Matau-a-Māui knew of Fane Flaws’ artworks – however Making A Mark focused on his incredible outputs as a director, musician and designer.

We were delighted to share Tāku Huia Kaimanawa, a series of Fiona Pardington works based on the huia birds and feathers held in our collection. These stunning works were a showstopper in our linkway gallery. We’re even more delighted to say that two works from the display are now in our collection – one gifted by Fiona as a commissioners copy, and one purchased and gifted by the MTG Foundation. During the year our front foyer had a dazzling work, Chromacade, by Janna van Hasselt. A series of ‘extrusions’ in rainbow colours popped against a fluorescent green surface. Falling in and out of a herringbone shape these forms seemed to dance across the wall.

Another playful display, Eye Spy: Curious Stories, looks at patterns and design in a range of objects from the collection. Exploring touch, smell, sight and sound this exhibition invites visitors to look a little closer. A giant collaborative ‘ei (think lei) adds the final touch, allowing visitors to contribute their own piece of design to Eye Spy. Having hosted EIT students over the year, we were happy to display some of their work in Through Lens and Light. This display showcases their range of photographic skills – from studio and documentary to product and landscape shots and provides insight into their unique skills, interests and perspectives.

Pictures and other works celebrates 10 years of the MTG Foundation fundraising and purchasing works for the collection. This group of dedicated and generous patrons work to ensure Hawke’s Bay has a collection that is worthy of the region and will be enjoyed for many generations to come. The final exhibition for the year, Pūrākau o Te Whenua, opened on 23 December and explores the legends and tales of Te Matau-a-Māui. The special names given to hills, mountains and lakes are all explored in this display – with stories told by local people we learn the cultural and historic connections about the whenua/land of our beautiful region.

This year also saw the building project in Hastings break ground. This purpose built facility will provide a permanent and appropriate home for the magnificent collection that the Hawke’s Bay Museums Trust cares for on behalf of the community. With over 90,000 objects this is the largest collection outside the four main centres and one of the older collections in the country. Te Matau-a-Māui is privileged to hold such a significant collection and it is gratifying to know it will be cared for appropriately into the future.

It has been a very challenging year and, although I think I say this every year, 2023 has definitely been a long year and one that has tested many of us. For those of you who work through the holiday season I hope people recognise that sacrifice, treat you with kindness and respect and that you get your own opportunity to have a well-deserved break at some point. For everyone else I hope you take the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, stop, relax, re-energise and refresh.

Published in the Hawke’s Bay Today newspaper on 23 December 2023 and written by Laura Vodanovich, Director at MTG Hawke’s Bay.

Museum pays tribute to sculptor Paul Dibble

The Gold of the Kowhai, Paul Dibble, 2014 [2014/46] gifted by the MTG Foundation

Last week we were saddened to hear about the passing of Paul Dibble. Dibble, based in Palmerston North, was a powerhouse in the New Zealand sculpture world and his works grace many cities around the country. Thanks to the work of the MTG Foundation there are two of his works in the MTG collection – both permanently on display. One, The Gold of the Kowhai, was purchased in 2014 and can be viewed across from the entry to MTG Hawke’s Bay and in front of the Masonic Hotel. A second work, The Garden, is situated in Havelock North by the i-site building. Both are displays of artistic talent and philanthropy coming together to enrich the community. We, like many, mourn the passing of Dibble.

Completely coincidentally, we also held a function last week to celebrate the exhibition Paintings and Other Works, which shares a taste of the amazing collection of works acquired by the MTG Foundation over the last 10 years. Contemporary and mid-century works sit cheek by jowl in this exhibition, with some beautiful and stunning juxtapositions along with complimentary elements highlighting colour, style, content, etc. This is a showing of a rich range of art all brought together by the generosity and passion of the MTG Foundation and its members. We’re incredibly grateful for their continued energy and support.

Some works purchased by the MTG Foundation are not included in the display as they are already earmarked for other exhibitions. One such exhibition will use the art and archive collection to tell some of the history of Te Matau-a-Māui. It will include two fairly recent acquisitions made by the MTG Foundation. 

Meanwhile work is seriously underway on the building project in Hastings. This new facility will provide a permanent safe and appropriate home to store our collection, including artworks, when they are not on display at MTG. Those who have driven past will see that demolition work is all but completed and we are now left with a shell – pillars and a roof. We’ve even had the first of many concrete pours this week, which will form the foundations of the ‘darkhouse’ the collection store area. It’s hard to envision, looking at it today, the facility that it will become, but such an exciting prospect.

Staff at MTG have a lot of work ahead of them preparing the collection to move. So, while the building progresses, so will the preparation of the collection. To have the collection ready for the big move we do have to stop our normal services – this means enquiries, visits to the collection and accepting acquisitions are all impacted in the short term. We acknowledge this will impact people who expect the normal level of access to the collection but we hope you will appreciate that this is for the greater long term good.

Having permanent fit-for-purpose storage for the collection, away from the tsunami zone, with the right environment and space for researchers and visitors has been the dream for a long time and it is finally within reach. We aim to have the new facility up and running by the end of 2025. We look forward to welcoming you then.

Published in the Hawke’s Bay Today newspaper on 16 December 2023 and written by Laura Vodanovich, Director at MTG Hawke’s Bay.