Digital Artist/Photographer Norm Heke, one of New Zealand’s top museum photographers, has just opened his first exhibition titled  OMGs: Maori Gods in the 21^st Century (3 Sept - 27 Nov '11 @ Pataka Gallery, Porirua).

Currently an imaging specialist/photographer at The Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa, Mr Heke’s work has featured in numerous publications and exhibitions throughout his expansive career.  A former commercial photographer and a forensic photographer,  Mr Heke was the first photographer to receive the Toi Iho trade mark acknowledging quality in Maori Art.

Mr Heke’s self-funded exhibition features several large-scale portraits depicting pivotal characters in the foundational stories that underpin Maori and New Zealand culture as they have never been seen before. Using 3D and flip effect (lenticular) technology, narratives are presented simultaneously in the past and the present day.

“I wanted to give Maori Gods a renewed presence in contemporary culture, by modernising the characters and contextualising the stories, in order for them to remain alive and vibrant in our society,” says Mr Heke.

“I chose photorealism as the medium to build each of the Atua a stage as grand as any of the Greek Gods. These are our indigenous super heroes and they deserve to be celebrated.”

Maui, one of the better known characters, notorious for his ingenuity, leadership and daring, is shown fishing up the North Island; the contemporary version leads to the steps of parliament buildings, where Maui and his brothers take political centre stage.  Assuming the name ‘The Maui Party, this same group similarly gets ‘hooked’ into present day issues.

Other Atua featured include Papatuanuku (Earth Mother and sky father), Tane (God of Forests), Hinetitama / Hinenuitepo (Dawn Goddess / Goddess of the night), Tumatauenga (God of War) and Maui (Demi God). An original sound-scape incorporating sounds of an old world and new worlds, add to an immersive experience.

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Norm Heke (Nga Puhi, Ngati Kahu, Te Arawa, Welsh and English)

Norm's work has appeared in numerous magazines, exhibitions and catalogues including:

• 1992 Royal doulton ceramic exhibition catalogue
• 1993 Royal Doulton Book (Canterbury Museum)
• 1993 Pu Manawa, A celebration of Whatu, Raranga, and Täniko
• 1993 Kohia Ko Taikaka Anake: New Zealands largest exhibition of contemporary Maori art (National Art Gallery)
• 1994 Kurawaka, Celebration of five Maori clay workers , Dowlse Art Museum
• 1995 Gold & Silversmithing in the 19th & 20th Century new zealand
• 1996 Mataora: The Living Face (David Bateman)
• 1997 Speaking in Colour
• 2001 He Kawenga, A collection of Art Works from Te Wananga o Raukawa
• 2002 Pacific Art Nui Sila (Te Papa Press)
• 2003 Nga Tanonga (Tepapa Press book)
• 2004 Whenua: Born of the Land (Tinakori Gallery, Wellington)
• 2005 The Eternal Thread: The art of Maori Weaving (Huia)
• 2002 & 2007 Taiawhio one and two: conversation with Contemporary Mäori Artists
• 2008 Te Kohui o Matariki : Contempory Maori Art of Matariki