Kura & Rangatahi
By making connections between Māori knowledge within art and lived experiences of students, we investigate identity, place and whakapapa (geneaology). We give space and encouragement to be curious about the world within and around us. Students will cultivate empathy and learn how to hold multiple perspectives in a safe respectful way.
Through discussion, sharing ideas, stories and analysis we are going to use tools to talk about and make meaning from art. Students will practice these tools not just through discussion but through hands on activities, making and movement connected to the art. There is an option for an additional 1 hour studio session where we produce an original work of art that explores identity using materials and or/techniques within the works of our Māori Artists on display.
Kaimānga Mātauranga / Educator - Geva Downey (Ngati Porou ki Hauraki, Ngāti Tamatēra, Ngāti Awa) Geva’s approach is relationship centred and brings warmth, humour and vast knowledge to sessions having had 20 years experience in the Gallery education sector. Sessions are based around the meaning of the art and our valued Māori artists. We use international best standards of gallery education practice.
Learning Objectives
1. Creative and Critical Thinking - Ask and answer questions to explore information and ideas. - Challenge assumptions and perceptions.
2. Relating to Others - Interact and share ideas in the classroom, gallery, and studio. - Listen to and consider others’ ideas.
3. Participating and Contributing - Visit the Gallery and share responses to artworks. - Work together effectively to develop new ideas and approaches.
4. Managing Self - Reflect on personal identity and environment through responses to artworks. - Act appropriately in classroom, gallery, and studio settings.
5. Using Language, Symbols, and Text - Interpret artworks using spoken, visual, and written language. - Learn some specialised language of visual arts.
Focus Questions (Visual Arts Curriculum)
- How do contemporary Māori artists express their cultural identity through their art? - What stories are they telling, and how do they communicate these stories using visual elements like line, shape, sound, and texture?
Kaitiaki
Learn basic clay building techniques to create a kaitiaki (guardian) of your choice. For example, Māori forms of Mokomoko, Mangō, Parāoa, or Kiore, or any form that represents kaitiakitanga (guardianship) unique to the student. Built on ideas from Te Pou Tāhuhu a Kūkupa by Chris Bailey and the art of Manos Nathan.
Badges
Design three badges that express an aspect of your identity or a group you belong to. You can keep all three or gift one to someone in your group to strengthen your connections.
Earth Pigment Painting
Experiment with earth pigments to create a unique painting. We draw inspiration from artists like Kura Te Waru Rewiri and Star Gossage. Explore new materials like kōkōwai and other earth pigments. Use these materials to create a work that reflects your identity or a place you feel connected to.
Cost
The Gallery session lasts for 1 hour $5 per student Additional Studio session is for 1 hour is $10 per student (both gallery and studio combined) We can discuss unique programming tailored for you.
Contact:
Geva Downey - education@wairau.org.nz
Location: Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art Gallery 81 Dent St, Whangārei
Open 10-4pm daily
