Tawhai Rickard 2019
PAULNACHE
PRESENTS
TAWHAI RICKARD
The arrival of this significant series of new works by contemporary New Zealand Maori artist Tawhai Rickard, coincides with the meeting of Maori and Europeans during James Cook's 1769 voyage to New Zealand, 250 years ago here in Turanaganui-a-kiwa Gisborne. It is also important to note that both works were created using reclaimed native wood including oak, acrylic paint, metal and natural varnishes.
Artist: Tawhai Rickard
Title: Space Invader circa 1769 - Te Karauna Tokokai Whenua
Year created: 2019
Medium: Acrylic on reclaimed native timber with metal and natural varnish
Dimensions: 205 (H) x 150 (W) x 140cm (D), approx. 20kg
Signed: inscribed “Tawhai”
Kaupapa:
‘Space Invader’ presents an imposing eighty foot extra-terrestrial creature (figuratively speaking) inspired by the science fiction classic ‘War of the Worlds’ by H.G Wells. The work is a visual and sculptural negotiation of Victorian Baroque design elements and Maori Art signifiers that denote the ambiguous historical and contemporary relationship between the two founding nations of New Zealand.
The painted narratives are in the style of the 18th Century Maori figurative painting that feature characters, imagery and dialogue deriving from biblical accounts, Pop Art and iconic satire with consideration toward the bi-cultural foundations of our country. The mentioned components and overall theme of invasion is indicative of the external impact upon Maori culture from Cooks first landing at Turanganui-a-Kiwa 1769 to the present day.
Artist: Tawhai Rickard
Title: Captain Cook’s Time Machine
Year created: 2019
Medium: Acrylic on reclaimed native timber, metal and natural varnish
Dimensions: 114 x 117 x 32cm / plinth 72 x 82 x 75cm (overall height: 186cm)
Signed: inscribed “Tawhai”
Kaupapa:
A chronological look at our Country merging historical and contemporary concepts of a social, cultural and political nature. Captain Cook’s HMS Endeavour serves as a Bi Cultural Time Machine evident through its aesthetic appearance and vernacular content. Emphasis is placed upon the Endeavour in collaboration with the 250 year commemoration of Cooks historical landing in Turanga.
Artist: Tawhai Rickard
Title: The Death of Samson the Israelite
Year created: 2019
Medium: Acrylic on reclaimed native timber, metal and natural varnish
Dimensions: 94 x 42 x 15.5cm (freestanding)
Signed: inscribed “Tawhai” 2019
Kaupapa:
This work symbolises the historical and contemporary passion and struggle of Maori amidst the undermining forces of sovereign rule and a host of domineering hierarchical world views. The Biblical Judge of Israel, Samson and elements of his epic life and death are metaphoric of the plight of Maori culture.
Currently available – please contact the Gallery
Brief artist biography:
Tawhai Rickard was born in Tūranganui-a-Kiwa, Gisborne, New Zealand in 1968, of Ngati Porou decent, a Māori tribe located in Te Tairawhiti (region), East Coast. He completed art studies at Waiariki Institute of Technology, Massey University Te Putahi a Toi, Palmerston North and Waikato University.
His recent work explores the historical and contemporary concepts of bi cultural New Zealand through the events of Captain James Cooks landing in Tūranganui-a-Kiwa (Gisborne) almost 250 years ago. His medium is predominately paint and whakairo (carving) using reclaimed wood.
Tawhai was the supreme award winner 2018 Miles Art Awards at Tauranga Art Gallery, and was the inaugural winner of the 2016 Te Ha Art Awards in Gisborne, Tairawhiti. He currently lives and works in Tauranga (Bay of Plenty) New Zealand.
Photographs by Thomas Teutenberg. Courtesy of the artist © PAULNACHE 2019.