Owen Mapp: Dragons and Taniwha - 50 Years an Artist Carver

'Dragons and Taniwha' showcases works from the 50-year career of New Zealand’s most eminent living artist carver of bone, Owen Mapp, CNZM.

Owen has played a key role in the revival of bone carving in New Zealand. When he began to carve in the late 1960s, bone was considered a less desirable material for artist carvers. Owen’s unwavering dedication to the art form has played a vital part in its revival and the desirability of finely-carved bone today. His works are highly sought-after.

177 works from across Owen’s career, ranging from jewellery to small sculptures to more utilitarian objects, are exhibited in 'Dragons and Taniwha'. They demonstrate the influence of Scandinavian and European carved objects on his practice as well as that of his richest source of inspiration, Māori taonga and culture.

The exhibition celebrates Owen’s achievements as New Zealand’s first professional artist carver of bone.

Curated and toured by Pātaka Art + Museum, Porirua.