Tupuānuku Exhibition – Briar York and Louis Mikaere

Tauranga artists Briar York and Louis Mikaere in a joint exhibition 'Tupuānuku' - their expression of Taiao

Traditionally, Matariki was a time to acknowledge the dead and to release their spirits to become stars. It was also a time to reflect, to be thankful to the gods for the harvest, to feast and to share the bounty of the harvest with family and friends. The third star is Tupuānuku which is associated with food grown in the ground. This star is looked upon during the month of May to indicate that the summer harvest has ended, and winter is near.

You can look upon this star and set an intention to get out into your vege garden. June is a great time to plant winter vegetables such as spinach, silver beet, lettuce, onions, and peas. Homegrown kai that can be shared with whānau and friends.

Brair is an abstract, mixed media Artist that resides in the beautiful Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. Together with her partner Nathan, she has three awesome kids, Jarvis, Rāmari and Zian. Her art practice is both her sanctuary and a place to really let go. She loves to create pieces that are playful and beautiful to gaze at but always with a surprising twist that is completely unique to that artwork. Her goal is to give your special space a dash of personality and to provide you with a unique talking point for years to come.

Matakana island artist Louis Mikaere who was born and bred in Tauranga Moana moved to Wellington to start new chapter with his whanau but didn’t realise it would ignite his passion as an artist. After labouring for under a year he decided to study Creative Technology through Weltec and progressed further with The Learning Connexion. Heavily influenced by his culture and family he uses his art to spread awareness on matters here in Aotearoa. Louis has murals located in various regions of Aotearoa, Wellington, Auckland and Tauranga.

Opening preview Saturday 17th June, 10am during our Matariki Market Day which will run all day. Everyone welcome.
On display in The Incubator Gallery from the 19th June to the 15th July 2023. Open 10am -3pm Monday to Saturday.