Represented by PAULNACHE

PAULNACHE in association with the Aotearoa Art Fair invites you to experience Te Wepu MMXXIII - a stunning new installation from one of New Zealand's leading contemporary Maori artists, Prof. Robert Jahnke.

Recently named as one of the Arts Foundation's 2023 Laureates, Jahnke is a highly respected educator who works as an historian, teacher, researcher, writer and advocate for Maori and indigenous arts, nationally and internationally.

In Te Wepu MMXXIII, Jahnke references elements of Para Matchitt's iconic Te Wepu Installation, using layers of triangular and diamond light to frame its signature motifs while creating iterations of pattern into infinity - cloaked by reflections embracing star, moon, heart, mountain and cross, reverberating enlightenment as light emerges out of the darkness.

Our Aotearoa Art Fair presentation coincides with Jahnke’s invitation to participate in ‘Personal Structures 2024’, the 7th edition of the Biennial of International Art held at the Palazzo Bembo in Venice from the 20th April – 24th November 2024, alongside the Venice Biennale.

Sculptures

PAULNACHE Booth G01

Installation:

Mata Whero
2021
Lacquer painted timber, neon, mirror pane, mirror, electricity
140 × 140 × 16.5cm

Kowhiti Tahi Whero
2021
Wood, paint, neon, mirror pane, mirror, electricity
85 × 85 × 16.5cm

Wepu Kopio Series
Marama (Moon); Ripeka (Cross); Maunga (Mountain); Manawa (Heart); Whetu (Star)
2023
Powder-coated mild steel, aluminium, neon, mirror pane, mirror, electricity
60cm dia. × 20cm

Ikura Manawa Ma (Bleeding Heart)
2023
Powder-coated mild steel, aluminium, neon, mirror pane, mirror, electricity
117cm dia. × 21cm

Kopiko Kikorangi
2021
Wood, paint, neon, mirror pane, mirror, electricity
85 × 85 × 16.5cm

Additional works include:

Purehuroa Ma
2021
Powder-coated mild steel, aluminium, neon, mirror pane, mirror, electricity
117cm dia. × 21cm

Kowhiti Rua Whero
2021
Wood, paint, neon, mirror pane, mirror, electricity
85 × 85 × 16.5cm

Kowhiti Tahi Kowhai
2021
Wood, paint, neon, mirror pane, mirror, electricity
85 × 85 × 16.5cm

Workslist

Download the PDF workslist

Exhibitions

Recent exhibitions include:

• Personal Structures 2024, 7th Edition of the Biennial of International Art, Palazzo Bembo, Venice, 20 April – 24 November 2024 (co-currently running alongside the Venice Biennale)

• Prof. Robert Jahnke, Te Wepu MMXXIII, PAULNACHE, February–March 2023

• Prof. Robert Jahnke, Te Wepu MMXXIII, Launch Event, Webb’s, Marion St, Wellington Sept 2023

Upcoming exhibitions:

• Prof. Robert Jahnke, Roimata, Whirinaki Whare Toanga, Upper Hutt, 4 May – 30 June 2024

Acknowledgments

Aotearoa Art Fair
18–21 April 2024
Viaduct Events Centre, Auckland Waterfront
Booth: G01
Installation photography: Cheska Brown

PAULNACHE represents Robert Jahnke in Te Ika a Maui, Aotearoa and abroad.

Interview with Prof. Robert Jahnke ONZM FRSNZ, 2023 Arts Foundation Laureate