The architecture of war and language of memorials

Graham spent six weeks in Taranaki as the 2019 Govett-Brewster Artist in Residence. Connecting with tangata whenua and his extended whānau, the artist researched the history of the relationship between Taranaki and Tainui Māori and his own whakapapa links to the area, focusing on the pact of solidarity forged during the New Zealand Wars, a relationship known as Te Kīwai o te Kete.

Engaging the architecture of colonial frontier warfare and the language of war memorials in times of peace, Tai Moana Tai Tangata occupies the entire Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. Three panoramic landscape films establish the geography of the exhibition, from Manukau in the north to Ohawe in the south, and site five monumental sculptures within this territory.

Exhibition curator, Anna-Marie White (Te Ātiawa), says: “These monumental sculptures by Brett Graham function as historic memorials, yet they refuse to settle in the past. Launching from experiences shared by Taranaki and Tainui through colonisation, these artworks cast the lessons learned by our ancestors into the future. Stripped of the optimism conveyed in the teachings of nineteenth century Taranaki leaders, these prophetic visions clothe our future in doubt.”

Govett-Brewster Art Gallery Acting Director, Antony Rhodes, says: “Brett Graham is an internationally-acclaimed contemporary Māori artist who tuned his focus to the history of Taranaki. The scale and depth of Tai Moana Tai Tangata will give gallery-goers a formidable experience that connects the local landscape to the nationally significant events that took place within it.”

“Graham has produced both an extraordinary exhibition of new work tailored specifically to the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and an exhibition that speaks directly to the people of Taranaki, and is of relevance to all New Zealanders.”

The exhibition, on show alongside Len Lye Tangibles 1959-1961 on until 2 May 2021, and Maioha Kara Salutations on until 15 March 2021, continues the Gallery’s commitment to presenting contemporary art that matters to New Zealand, a commitment that began in 1970.

ENDS
The artist and exhibition curator are available for media interviews.
The Artist in Residence programme is supported by Creative New Zealand.

Kate McKenzie-Pollock
Marketing and Communications Advisor