Exhibition: Matariki Raranga Toi
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The latest exhibition in the Carlton Gallery, nestled within The Arts Junction in Katikati, coincides with Matariki and celebrates both art and the start of a new year for Māori.
Visitors to this unique exhibition will be treated to a fine exhibition of hand-woven harakeke (flax) artworks with kete (traditional basket), pōtae (hat), backpacks, and more on display.
The collaboration of local artists exhibiting include Marino Magee plus, Rangi Ranui, Rawinia Gray, Kerewai Wanakore, Annie Tauiwi, Karen Morunga, all of whom are master weavers to level four, through the Wananga O Aotearoa based in Tauranga.
Weaving is not only useful, it is a living art form and a way of passing on Māori culture. For example, while the kete is used for collecting kai such as potatoes, kumera and pipi, it also represents a container of knowledge and wisdom.
Works in the exhibition are created with flax sourced from Katikati and the Tauranga Moana area or from the backyards of the artists. Once prepared by tools such as greenstone and dyed with the bark from the Tānekaha tree, today flax works are created with sharing combs and using other natural dyes. Special flaxes recognised for their ability to extract white fibre are used to make handles and korowai (cloaks).