Indigenous connections between Taiwan and Aotearoa explored in without centre, without limits
A new exhibition at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre presents work by four indigenous artists from south and eastern Taiwan, continuing long-running conversations between the Gallery and artists from the edge of Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean).
without centre, without limits presents new works by Lafin Sawmah, Eleng Luluan, Akac Orat and Malay Makakazuwan, which were created after the artists’ two-week residency in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2023, which in turn built on initial discussions in 2022 as part of the aim to enact connections between Taiwan and Aotearoa – a space of shared migration and enduring whakapapa (genealogical) ties.
Insights into the contemporary life and concerns of the artists are offered through new site-specific installations created for the Govett-Brewster: each artist in their own distinct way draws on and transforms materials found within their tribal community to re-invigorate their indigenous material cultures, narratives, and knowledges.
Co-curated by Dr Zara Stanhope and Taarati Taiaroa, the resulting exhibition presents works grounded in the shared beliefs of collective responsibility, community spirit, an inseparable connection to land and sea, and the unbreakable bond between past, present, and future – all ideas from the edge of Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa which have a resonance in Aotearoa. The possibilities of this space, these relations, are conceived as being without a centre and without limits.
“Building on years of relationships between here and Taiwan, without centre, without limits offers a platform for connections to be made between people, places and histories through new work made for the Govett-Brewster by four Indigenous Taiwanese artists from distinct tribal backgrounds,” say co-curators Dr Zara Stanhope and Taarati Taiaroa.
“The conversations started by bringing the artists to Aotearoa has been extended by this exhibition. The resulting contemporary reflections offered by the artists’ works enables connections, understanding and opportunities for increased dialogue going forward, a critical step towards future exchanges between Indigenous artists from Aotearoa and Taiwan and the regeneration of historical interactions and cultural knowledges,” the curators said.
The Govett-Brewster greatly acknowledges the sponsorship of Ministry of Culture Republic of China (Taiwan), and support of Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (Sydney), and Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītu Tūhono. Further support from Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts and the Indigenous Peoples Cultural Fund in Taiwan enabled the works to be brought to Aotearoa, and Creative New Zealand enabled the 2023 artist’s residency.
without centre, without limits
Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre
6 Jul – 13 Oct 2024