New Zealand Art

New Zealand is a pacific island nation of 4.2 million people.

The European settlement of the country did not commence in earnest until the 1840’s onwards, although Maori habitation pre-dates this by well over 800 years.

However as a nation, exploring our cultural identify through artistic endeavour has occurred much later than it did in many other ancient cultures around the world.

Many would say this exploration is a never ending journey. Others would argue that starting our artist reflection and creation centuries later, has enabled us to see the world through fresh eyes. You be the judge.

Today New Zealand art is many things to many people: it can be traditional Maori art or new interpretations of Maori culture, it is cutting edge contemporary abstract art, jewellery making, and performance, it is writing and literature, busking, furniture and product design, ceramics…the list is almost infinite.

New Zealanders seem to draw energy from a strong sense of place and from their sense of shared passion prevalent in so many of our local communities throughout the country.

Regional Art

"Art should be available in this own place. There is a significance when visitors have a feeling for the landscape, the local culture and the people who make the art."
Christine Boswijk, Ceramic Artist

Mahi Toi (Maori Art)

Toi Whakairo refers specifically to the art of carving.
Toi Whakairo:

Maori woodcarving (whakairo) is characterised by the skilful application of complex patterns onto a sculptural form. There are many motifs in this art form, each of which has particular meaning. Most evident is the use of spiral patterns, and in traditional times, objects ranging from small fish hooks (hei matau) and ornaments (hei tiki), to large meeting houses (wharenui) and sea going canoes (waka) were decorated.

There are many talented woodcarvers producing both traditional and contemporary Maori artwork active today.

Ta Moko:

In traditional times, Maori wore moko (tattoo) on various parts of the body, most notably the face. The patterns were marks of descent (whakapapa), achievement, and beauty. Today there is a revival of the art of Ta Moko. Once regarded as a disappearing art, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of Ta Moko.

There are many talented practitioners adorning the bodies of contemporary New Zealanders, and the facial moko (moko kanohi) and the female chin moko (moko kauae) are now seen again on the streets and marae of NZ.