Trace the evolution of Maori painting from the 19th century to the present day at Five Maori Painters, which opened at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki on Saturday 22 February.

Leading artists Kura Te Waru Rewiri, Robyn Kahukiwa, Emily Karaka, Saffronn Te Ratana and Star Gossage present original approaches to Maori painting in an exhibition that examines Maori painting today, while providing insight to historic painting traditions. Their works share the artist’s experience to tell the story of Maori culture through unique perspectives.

Sitting alongside the artworks are significant historic examples of painted hoe (canoe paddle) and heke (rafter) from Auckland War Memorial Museum Tamaki Paenga Hira. Along with work by 19th-century artist George French Angas, these artefacts add depth to the exhibition, giving viewers a traditional context for the contemporary works on show.

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki Director Rhana Devenport says, ‘Five Maori Painters celebrates Maori culture and demonstrates a commitment to profilingNew Zealand’s indigenous art practice and offering a Maori world view. Through exhibitions dedicated to Maori art, we can enable greater learning and understanding, and can acknowledge the powerful work of these talented artists.’

Auckland Art Gallery Indigenous Curator Maori ArtNgahiraka Masonsays, ‘These artworks are Toi Piwari (beautiful art) and can be appreciated for the historic and contemporary ideas behind the works.’

‘The energetic paintings of Emily Karaka and symbol-rich paintings of Robyn Kahukiwa are incredibly powerful. Star Gossage’s reflections of atua and the third space invite contemplation. Kura Te Waru Rewiri expands the kowhaiwhai tradition to new possibilities and Saffronn Te Ratana takes contemporary painting to a whole new dimension with her innovative installation.’

Highlights for opening weekend:

• Saturday 1pm: Curator’s Talk with Ngahiraka Mason

Gain an in-depth understanding of the themes explored in Five Maori Painters withAuckland Art Gallery’s Indigenous Curator M?ori Art, Ngahiraka Mason

• Sunday 1pm: Artist Talk with Saffronn Te Ratana

Join artist Saffronn Te Ratana in conversation with artist and lecturer Ngataiharuru Taepa

• Sunday 3pm: Artist Talk with Kura Te Waru Rewiri

Join artist Kura Te Waru Rewiri in conversation with scriptwriter, actor and director Michael Rewiri-Thorsen

A full programme of events including movie screenings and music performance is available at www.aucklandartgallery.com. A new publication, Five Maori Painters, and symposium offer a comprehensive insight to the history of Maori painting as well as current practice.

Five Maori Painters is supported by funding from Te Waka Toi, the Maori Arts Board of Creative New Zealand, and JBWere.

In addition to Five Maori Painters, the Gallery recently opened a tribute exhibition recognising ­the work of late sculptor and painter Arnold Manaaki Wilson, Arnold Manaaki Wilson Pou Ihi | Pou Whenua | Pou Tangata. Wilson (1928-2012) remains a significant figure in contemporary Maori art – this exhibition runs until 31 August.

Five Maori Painters will run from 22 February to 15 June. Entry is free.

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