The Cook Islands News recently reported that artistic connections between Cooks and New Zealand Maori are currently on exhibit at the Matariki Maori Art Exhibition at the BCA Gallery in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. The collection on display was generated at the week-long art workshop and exchange that was held this past June and involved visiting carvers and weavers from the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and local Cook Islands artists.
The New Zealand High Commissioner, Nick Hurley, spoke at the opening of the exhibition and said that the collaboration highlighted the strong heritage between the Cook Islands and New Zealand Maori. The workshop that took place in June was produced by Mo Newport and Glenda Tuaine who Hurley said were an integral part of the smooth running of the event.
The exhibition perfectly weaves Cook Islands and Maori cultures together, featuring the 50th celebrations logo and also familiar New Zealand Maori patterns and designs.
Check out this four minute YouTube clip of the artists at work during the workshop.
Air New Zealand was a key sponsor of the June workshop, paying for the return flights for the visiting New Zealand artists to make the journey to Rarotonga.
If you plan to visit the Cook Islands during the month of November, add this exhibition to your “to do” list. The exhibition is open to the public until November 28 and all are invited to visit the BCA Gallery to view the works on display.
Sunset on Rarotonga
Island Time 