In celebration of Matariki, Corban Estate Arts Centre is pleased to present the group exhibition Ngā Whetu, now showing in the Homestead Galleries until Thursday 13 July 2023
Ngā Whetu includes the work of Atareta Black, Tony Brown, Aroha Gossage, Penny Howard, Lisa Reihana, Kauri Wharewera, Siniva Williams, Ann Uerata and Louie Zalk-Neale.
In support of Aotearoa’s continued learning behind the meaning and importance of Matariki and Te Tau Hou Māori (the Māori New Year), the Homestead Galleries present a group exhibition of Māori artists; each showcasing works that speak to ngā whetu (the stars), Puanga and the Matariki cluster.
Kōrero tuku iho (traditions, oral tradition, stories of the past) passed down will differ between iwi and whānau. While some iwi herald the new year with the Matariki star cluster – whether that be nine stars or seven stars (as per Tainui star lore) – other iwi are unable to see Matariki from their rohe (region) and celebrate a star named Puanga instead.
Through the group’s distinctive methods of storytelling and their own personal perspectives, Ngā Whetu offers a rich view into the significance of these stars, as they pertain to the people of Aotearoa, across a wide range of creative disciplines.
Alongside the exhibition is a programme of free gallery events open for the public to attend, including an opportunity to join the curators of Ngā Whetu, Penny Howard and Melina Payne, on a tour of the Galleries on the 24th of June and an intimate Matariki ceremony to be held at dawn on the 11th of July.
Corban Estate Arts Centre is home to the Homestead Galleries and Gallery Shop, over 20 Resident Artist studios and high-profile Arts Organisations, a unique collection of venues for hire and the popular Coffee Studio Cafe. We offer regular arts workshops for adults, youth and children, as well as a highly regarded Schools’ Education programme.
Set within beautiful park-like grounds alongside the Opānuku stream by Henderson Park, just a short walk from the Henderson Train Station, we are based on the New Zealand Heritage listed category 1 historic grounds of the late Corbans Winery.
As one of Aotearoa’s largest thriving Arts Centres, we provide a haven for the local community to enjoy the enriching combination of arts, culture and heritage as the acting kaitiaki for one of Tāmaki Makaurau’s important historical legacies.
Our Homestead Galleries and Gallery Shop are open Monday to Saturday from 10am-4pm.
EXHIBITION DETAILS:
Exhibition Title: Ngā Whetu
Curators: Penny Howard and Melina Payne
Artists: Atareta Black, Tony Brown, Aroha Gossage, Penny Howard, Lisa Reihana,Kauri Wharewera, Siniva Williams, Ann Uerata and Louie Zalk-Neale.
Exhibition dates: Saturday 3 June – Thursday 13 July 2023
Location: Homestead Galleries, Corban Estate Arts Centre
2 Mt Lebanon Lane, Henderson, Auckland 0612
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm daily, excluding public holidays.
Entry: Free, all welcome.
GALLERY PROGRAMME DETAILS:
Curators’ Tour: Ngā Whetu
Saturday 24 June 2023, 10:00am – 11:00am
Free. No bookings required, all welcome.
Join us for an intimate tour led by the curators of Ngā Whetu, Melina Payne and Penny Howard, where they will guide you through the works of Atareta Black, Tony Brown, Aroha Gossage, Wikuki Kingi, Lisa Reihana, Mele Siniva Williams, Ann Uerata, Louie Zalk-Neale and more…
Dawn Wishes to Hiwa-i-te-Rangi
Tuesday 11 July 2023, 6:30am – 8:00am
Free. No bookings required, all welcome.
Gathering to mark the opening of the Matariki Festival 2023, we invite you to join us for fire, karakia and kai.
The wishes, hopes and prayers that have been tied to Penny Howard’s whai installation by visitors to the group exhibition Ngā Whetū will be collected for a special dawn ceremony, followed by light refreshments.
During the time when the Matariki cluster is visible in the sky, we will burn all the gathered wishes, sending them up to Hiwa-i-te-Rangi to be granted as part of this morning ceremony.
Any wishes written after this event will be ceremoniously burned after the Ngā Whetū exhibition has closed by artist and co-curator, Penny Howard.
