POLYFEST 2017

19 August – 5 November 2017

 

The Southland Museum and Art Gallery Niho o te Taniwha is pleased to present the Polyfest 2017 exhibition – a display of artworks created by the tamariki (young people) of Murihiku (Southland) and brought to us by the Murihiku Māori & Pasifika Cultural Trust.

 

The theme for this year’s annual art exhibition is Celebrate the Environment and is based on the whakataukī (treasured saying):

 

Whenua ki uta, whenua ki tai

From the mountains to the sea

 

When creating artworks, schools and centres have been asked to use their school, centre, region, surrounding native areas, waterways, environmental practices, and traditions as inspiration.  This is an exciting concept as it has so many possibilities – with artworks referencing sustainability, kaitiakitanga (guardianship), sustainability, ecosystems, the unique character and history of their place, region, nation, and beyond. Categories for the exhibition are painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Two new categories will be introduced this year – photography and movie making.

 

Nationally and internationally recognised artists, Irene Schroder, Ari Edgecombe, and Katy Buess make up the judging panel. Entries that are awarded places in the exhibition are displayed at the Southland Museum and Art Gallery. Other entries are installed in the Invercargill City Library and local business windows for all to enjoy. A map of these locations will be available on the Murihiku Māori & Pasifika Cultural Trust website.

 

The Murihiku Māori & Pasifika Cultural Trust would also like to acknowledge and extend a huge thank you to sponsors and supporters for their amazing contributions. These include Steven Cammell and the Waikiwi Countdown Supermarket, Adrienne Henderson and Environment Southland, Daryl Carran at the Otago Southland Meat Workers Union, Michelle Crouchley at Te Papa Atawhai (Department of Conservation), and artist extraordinaire Janet de Wagt.

 

This exhibition will be on display in the Community Access Gallery from Saturday, 19 August until Sunday, 5 November 2017, at the Southland Museum and Art Gallery, 108 Gala Street, Invercargill.