A new book from Te Papa Press profiles 17 artists and one dance company as fresh contemporary Maori artists working in a wide range of different media.A new book from Te Papa Press profiles 17 artists and one dance company as fresh contemporary Maori artists working in a wide range of different media.Continuing in the proud tradition of Taiawhio (now in its third reprint), Taiawhio II: Contemporary Maori Artists, 18 New Conversations is based on one-to-one interviews with Te Papa curators and illustrated with numerous full-colour photographs, bringing to life the artists, their work and their working environments.

From the well-established to the new generation, these artists cover a remarkable array of art forms including weaving, painting, claywork, sculpture, ta moko, multimedia and dance, making the book an excellent introduction to the dynamic world of contemporary visual culture in Aotearoa New Zealand today.

The artists profiled are: Sandy Adsett, Nigel Borell, Chris Bryant, Paerau Corneal, Shane Cotton, Brett Graham, Robert Jahnke, Rangi Kipa, Manos Nathan, Julie Paama-Pengelly, Reuben Paterson, Rachel Rakena, Lisa Reihana, Ngataiharuru Taepa, Wi Te Tau Pirika Taepa, Colleen Waata-Urlich, Christina Wirihana and the Atamira Dance Company.

The authors all work at Te Papa. General Editor Huhana Smith is Senior Curator Matauranga Maori and a practising artist. The other writers are Megan Tamati-Quennell, Curator Contemporary Maori and Indigenous Art, and Curators Matauranga Maori Oriwa Solomon and Awhina Tamarapa.

Available now from the Te Papa online store.

16/7/07