Literally translated, Tepeke Koura means "Coal Sack" - a mariner's term for the Matariki or Pleiades constellation, which visits NZ's skies in late May or early June. Matariki has traditionally been viewed by Maori as a time for change and the coming together of the spiritual and physical worlds. Tepeke Koura can similarly be interpreted as a transition, including the space between Te Kore (the nothingness) and Te Ao Marama (the light). This exhibition explores a diverse range of contemporary approaches to customary practices. Literally translated, Tepeke Koura means "Coal Sack" - a mariner's term for the Matariki or Pleiades constellation, which visits NZ's skies in late May or early June. Matariki has traditionally been viewed by Maori as a time for change and the coming together of the spiritual and physical worlds. Tepeke Koura can similarly be interpreted as a transition, including the space between Te Kore (the nothingness) and Te Ao Marama (the light). This exhibition explores a diverse range of contemporary approaches to customary practices.As Katy Tua writes in her catalogue essay, "Tepeke Koura relates not only to the complexities of navigating contemporary indigenous practices but also demonstrates the way in which contemporary Maori makers are unable to shake the inherent links their practice has to customary craft and design tradition."

The makers included in Tepeke Koura are Tina Wirihana, Kereama Taepa, Julie Kipa, Glen Skipper, Wi Taepa, Lawrence Pook and Rangi Kipa.

A catalogue publication will be available for sale at Objectspace. Tepeke Koura curator Karl Chitham will be providing a free curators floor talk at Objectspace, 11am, Saturday 23 June.

When: 23 June - 21 July, 2007
Where: Objectspace, 8 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland

Image: A piece by Rangi Kipa.