Maumahara exhibition will grow on you

The exhibition by New Zealand Maori artist Henriata Nicholas opened with a preview at the Beachcomer Contemporary Art (BCA)Gallery on Wednesday evening.
Henriata is a cousin of Theresa Barrett whose late husband Tia was NZ High Commissioner to the Cook Islands.
Her show, “Maumahara (Remember),” will run through to 30 June. Her show in part is in honour of Tia who passed away last year. It is also to respect his relationship with the BCA Gallery. The show is also to remember the close ties to the people of the Pacific, our origins and natural cultural creative explorations.
There are 13 paintings in the show, all the same size 76x101cm and all acrylic on canvas. There are also 4 traditional weave items.
The following is a quote from the artist’s brochure obtained from the BCA.
“The main theme of the work is based on Hine-te-iwa-iwa the goddess of birth and raranga (weaving). The works are about idea development and creative inspiration, expressed by using the different stages of birth from embryo to fetal states overlaid with textures and patterns like the tapatoru (triangle), which portrays protection. The tapatoru is also related to mind, body and spiritual aspect of tangata (People).
The artist has chosen the karakia “Ko te pu” as the foundation of the artworks. Each line in the karakia is represented in a painting.
This karakia traces the growth and development of us as a people. We come into this physical world extending ourselves, our beliefs through our journey of life experiences. We are students and teachers of our own and other’s destiny. We connect, network, expand, contract and transform until we reach our potential-our state of being, our place in the universe.”
Comment
The works depicting the goddess are layered, her image is defined in bold colour with curves and no straight lines. Upon this base level, is placed the geometric pattern of triangles depicted in thin, crisp, white lines. Some of the lines stop abruptly and the triangular overlay may seem incomplete in parts or waiting to be taken a stage further. That does not matter in a work depicting development.
There are four works of deeper interest because they show that at times, the artist’s subconscious mind had control of the brush. They confirm the artist is particularly gifted. The three works on the left wall upon entering the Gallery, have raised, bold, curved features which give texture especially when viewed from slightly different angles. The application of these is circular and completed with a sweeping, free like motion. But despite this free application of paint, a pattern and form is noticeable when viewed close up. At intervals there appears an intentional, empty semi circular section-an indent.
Each of these three paintings is divided into 10 horizontal sections and this even numbering appears in the other works-sometimes 8, sometimes 4.
A close up of one work reveals strip like patterns not unlike a DNA read out.
It is after viewing these works for a while you realize the artist has built deeper meaning into the works that reveal in life, everything is to a genetic code, a pattern or well defined plan that may not seem obvious or apparent at first glance.
Visit the exhibition. Sit and take in the works. They will grow on you.

Headlines : Times 290 02 March 2009
- Lucky $1,000 winner
- Century old palm trees and the French connection
- Koutu Nui takes part in Raui meeting in Moorea
- WOM Award Dinner for Ake Hosea-Winterflood
- Island of Atiu to host Koutu Nui AGM in June 2009