Puanga is seen just before Matariki rises in the late autumn sky. Here in Taranaki, Puanga is more widely celebrated as ushering in the new year.
Puanga is a time when we come together. In one sense, we reminisce on the year gone by, and we think fondly of those who have passed. In another sense, this is also a time when we prepare and celebrate the new year to come. There is an emphasis on the collection of kai and gardening. For some with a creative spark, we may like to create art, for others Puanga might symbolise a new start. We may also hold festivals or other hui celebrating the importance of Puanga. However we choose to celebrate this time, we spend it with our whānau and friends, as this is an important custom of our people.
As an extension of the traditions of Puanga, we will be showing an art exhibition called
“Ko Puanga Te Kaupapa”. Simply put, “Ko Puanga Te Kaupapa” means; Puanga Is The Subject.
This exhibition will express to some degree the whakaaro of our people about Puanga,
through art. What Puanga means and how the artist would like to express Puanga is specific and perhaps personal to each kaimahi toi that participates in this exhibition. What might be the intertwining factor for this exhibition, is that all of our artists and our whānau have
another reason, or excuse, to come together and celebrate Puanga.
“Ko Puanga Te Kaupapa” is proudly brought to you by Toi o Taranaki Ki Te Tonga,
a collective of Māori artists who whakapapa to Taranaki or live in our rohe, and Te Ātinga, the national contemporary Māori visual arts committee. Curated by Te Haana Paewai.
From The Opening Event :
Kommentare