Whakawhetai - Melanie Tangaere Baldwin

A solo exhibition of new works by Melanie Tangaere Baldwin, Ngāti Porou.

This exhibition explores the insipid notion – most often espoused on online ‘Comments’ boards – that Māori should be grateful for having been colonised. The works take a kind of tongue in cheek approach to accepting this ideology as fact, while simultaneously attempting to expose the ridiculousness of this way of thinking and to offer a hopeful way forward. The artist uses her whakapapa to create a pseudo-self-portrait so that she can explore these ideas from her own specific perspective.

The works are a mixture of disciplines and mediums, ranging from painting, large light boxes to film, sound and soft sculpture.

Melanie is currently completing her Master’s Degree at Toihoukura where she also teaches the undergraduate Contextual Studies papers. All her work is concerned with the realities of the colonised experience, Mana Wahine, Mana Māori, and ensuring that indigenous voices and perspectives are heard. And making her whanau proud.