Stories of New Zealand Māori living on the Gold Coast will be showcased in a new exhibition that explores the intersection of traditional and contemporary Māori culture.
The old and new are colliding as part of Gold and Greenstone opening at the at Gold Coast City Gallery this Saturday.
The exhibition showcases the work of highly-regarded Māori artist, George Nuku, who works with stone, bone, wood and shell and has exhibited nationally and internationally for around 30 years. Also exhibiting is Mataatua tā-moko artist Turumākina Duley who works with canvas and bone as well. Māori hip-hop artist DLT, aka Darryl Lee Thompson will also have work on display alongside art by Matty Te Paea, Chermene Castle and Reuben Friend.
As a loose collective, these artists represent the first mass trans-pacific migration of Māori communities to international shores since the very first fleets of ancient navigators began to traverse the Pacific Ocean from Eastern Polynesia to Aotearoa, over eight hundred years ago.
Gallery Manager John Walsh said the Gallery was excited to present an exhibition that explored place, culture and identity in such an innovative way.
"This exhibition is unique in that it charts the dynamics of migration and the issues faced as they make their home on the Gold Coast.
Issues surrounding language, tradition and culture are something we wanted to highlight. We’re hoping to showcase the challenges these artists face in a way that hasn’t been explored before," Mr Walsh said.
The official opening event will take place on Saturday 6 June and will be followed by an extensive public programme, which includes a fashion showcase, school holiday activities and the one-night only "Matariki" concert.
The opening event will include a traditional blessing with Māori artists and performers followed by food and drink.
Gold and Greenstone is on display at Gold Coast City Gallery from June 6 until July 19.