Limited Edition Prints III
2016 – Waikato Region
For this third kauri poster series, contemporary artists with a strong connection too the Waikato – Fred Graham, Adrienne Grant, Zena Elliot, Xavier Meade and James Ormsby – were invited to contribute works addressing the social, cultural, biological and historical value of the kauri tree. Kauri are naturally found in the Waikato region to about 38 degrees south – almost in line from Kawhia through to Tauranga. Five sites in the Waikato, all on the Coromandel Penisula, have been diagnosed with kauri dieback. A key remaining stand of Waikato kauri is near Ngaruawahia. The Hakarimata Kauri Grove is an important remnant forest and one of few left in the region.
Series III was produced with support from The stout Trust, Opticmix and Soar Print. The artworks were first exhibited at the Gus Fisher Gallery, Auckland (see above for current list of exhibitions).
Limited edition digital print on 310gsm Ilford Galerie Smooth Cotton Archival Paper ($230 +p&p)
Email kauri@thekauriproject.org to order – more details at right…
FRED GRAHAM
Home/Less, 2017
Limited edition digital print on 310gsm Ilford Galerie Smooth Cotton Archival Paper
Email kauri@thekauriproject.org to order
“The recent publicity on homeless people living in cars led me to consider the plight of the birds and other forest dwellers and their fate should our kauri forests be decimated. Two kereru
contemplate their options. In the background stand the ghosts of three giant kauri, gone as a result of sawmilling, farming and, now, kauri dieback. Of all the animals in the world, the only one who can save all things inhabiting this planet is man. Right now we are not doing a good job of it.”
Fred Graham (Ngati Koroki Kahukura) is one of Aotearoa’s leading artists and one of the most influential figures in New Zealand art. In the 1960s, Graham helped found the contemporary Maori arts movement with the likes of Cliff Whiting and Ralph Hotere. He was a teacher for 36 years and also played for the Maori All Blacks. His work is in permanent public exhibition across Aotearoa and around the world, and in many private collections. In 2017, he was awarded the Creative New Zealand Te Waka Toi Supreme Award.
Adrienne Grant
Kauri Grove, Kauri Loop Track, Hakarimata Scenic Reserve, 23.9.17
Limited edition digital print on 310gsm Ilford Galerie Smooth Cotton Archival Paper
A tracking card and tunnel is a tool employed by conservationists to monitor the presence of small animal pests. An inked card housed in a tunnel records the footprints of species passing through.
This work was created on the Kauri Loop Track in Hakarimata Scenic Reserve, one of the last kauri forest fragments in Waikato. Track users were invited to take part in an attempt to mimic the tracking card, recording the presence of another kind of animal pest.
To create it, I set up a tray of water to clean shoes or feet, a tray of black paint, and a board with paper for people to walk across and leave their marks. Finally, they stepped into another tray of water to clean the residual paint off their shoes or feet.
Rarely do we look back at our footprints to see the impact left behind, yet they have the potential to yield so much power – in this case, the transfer of microscopic Phytopthora agathicida, and with it the ability to destroy kauri and other species that depend on the kauri forests for life.
These footprints are also a metaphor for choice and change. Every step we take has the capacity for harm or positive action. As global citizens every decision we make, every item we purchase, has the potential to affect the life support systems of our planet.
Adrienne Grant is a Hamilton based artist who works predominately with installation and public space, responding to situations or ideas. Her specific interests are the interrelationships between people and the environment and how we are all potential agents of change. She completed a Bachelor of Media Arts (Painting and Sculpture) from Wintec in 2009 and a Masters of Social Science (Hons) in Geography from the University of Waikato in 1996. Adrienne also works as an Enviroschools Facilitator and Conservation Coordinator for Riverlea Environment Society.
Zena Elliot
Koha, 2017
Limited edition digital print on 310gsm Ilford Galerie Smooth Cotton Archival Paper
In consideration of the kaupapa of this project, I researched Maori narratives relating to Kauri and found inspiration for my design in the Northland legend of Kauri and Tohora. In this legend, Tohora the whale gifts part of his skin to his dearly loved and respected brother Kauri, which formed a protective cloak against the corrosive powers of the ocean. This made Kauri timber perfect for use in the construction of waka (canoe).
The motifs, figures, colours and forms used in the work reference this legend, with particular focus on the form of waka - niho and the Tekoteko (human figure) which represents the voyager. The whale and puhoro inspired designs portray the speed and agility of a waka cutting through the ocean. The colours refer to the shades of green evident on the leaves of the Kauri and the blues of the ocean. The natural colours of the land and wood-grain timber texture help to
enhance the overall narrative of the work.
Koha highlights the cultural significance of Kauri to Aotearoa and encourages the audience to consider how we can give koha to Kauri in order to raise awareness, and halt the spread of kauri dieback disease.
Zena Elliott (Ngati Awa and Te Whanau a Apanui) was born in Whakatane and raised in Te Teko and currently lives and works in Hamilton, Waikato. Elliott’s large-scale paintings channel both the past and the present. Her works often feature icons from her whakapapa, such as ko (ploughing tool) and stingray; often painted in a specific whakairo style. Equally her works borrow from modes of contemporary popular culture, referencing the Pop Art movement. Elliot pays homage to graffiti culture and contemporary street murals through her use of commercial paints, applied with elaborate stencils on large-scale works, while eye-catching, electric colours allude to the culture of advertising and signage.
Xavier Meade
Papatuanuku and Ranginui reaching for a new embrace, 2017
Limited edition digital print on 310gsm Ilford Galerie Smooth Cotton Archival Paper
Tane Mahuta was powerful enough to separate Papatuanuku and Ranginui from their primordial embrace, thus giving us the light – Te Ao Marama.
Having survived the pioneer’s axes and handsaws, the mighty kauri, the longest living being in Aotearoa, is again under threat.
Chains and bullocks dragged ancient giants out of our bush to have their dismembered bodies exported to England and other countries, ending up as diverse products such as buildings, boats, and furniture, shimmering as silk. Abandoned remains are now dragged out of drained wetlands, as swamp kauri for the creation of exclusive goods.
Is Tane Mahuta telling us to stop polluting waters, poisoning the earth and air, and leaving us to return to the darkness?
Note: the image of the kauri twig comes from a tree planted in 2000 on the banks of the Waikato River just a few metres from the Waikato Museum.
Xavier Meade is a Mexican born artist living in Whaingaroa / Raglan since 1980. He has exhibited widely, moving between architecture, photography, painting and publication design. Xavier designed and continues to teach the first Ecodesign course in tertiary education in Aotearoa. He has designed various collaborative poster projects with artists from Mexico, Cuba, Aotearoa, Australia and England.
James Ormsby
A taniwha on our kauri, 2017
Limited edition digital print on 310gsm Ilford Galerie Smooth Cotton Archival Paper
“My late Aunt Hill wrote…“What are the cords which bind this place, close to our hearts with bonds of joy and pain ? The strand of heritage. Close woven in the warp and woof, the very pattern of our family life”. (Ref. page 34. “Te Parae – the homestead” from…“Lighting the traveller’s Road – the poetry of Hilary Ferguson”. pub. Fraser Books, Masterton, NZ. 2003. ISBN: 0-9582332-4-1).
Strata of whakapapa is encircled by a new “Dieback Taniwha”, forming a dangerous “cord of pain”. It stares at us as a fly - flies. Leaves fall and our Kauri darkens.”
James Ormsby (Ngati Maniapoto, Ngati Pikiao and Scots), received a Master of Fine Art from RMIT and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Melbourne. Upon returning to New Zealand he was commissioned to paint AUT’s whare and the ceiling design and artwork for the RNZ Navy whare. Drawing is a passion for James, which he describes as his first language.
About the Posters
The Kauri Project commissions works by New Zealand artists addressing kauri. The artworks are produced as limited edition digital prints on 310gsm Ilford Galerie Smooth Cotton Archival Paper. The educational posters are printed on recycled paper using vegetable-based inks.
The works are created as a limited edition archival quality digital art print for sale and exhibition. A framed exhibition set is maintained by The Kauri Project.
These works are also offset printed as free posters, bearing information about kauri dieback, the art and artists on the reverse. The posters are distributed free through our events and exhibitions and through schools and other public institutions.
The Poster Series fulfils multiple goals:
Promoting love and respect for kauri as an iconic species, and important part of our natural and cultural heritage.
Spreading awareness of kauri dieback disease and hygiene protocols to prevent spreading the disease, and keeping the issue in peoples’ consciousness.
Building recognition of art as an important method of engagement and communication.
Providing access to high quality art for education providers, community organisations and individuals.
Promoting New Zealand art and artists widely to new audiences, and supporting New Zealand artists by paying them for their work.
All artworks are for sale
Contact The Kauri Project for sales
Email: kauri@thekauriproject.org
All edition works are $230 including GST. Packaging and post costs will be added for delivery purposes.
All artworks are printed on limited edition digital prints on 310gsm Ilford Galerie Smooth Cotton Archival Paper.
Series I is in a numbered, dated and signed edition of 50
Series II & III are in a numbered, dated and signed edition of 30 *
NB * Jo Hardy’s edition is signed in plate
Arrangements can be made for pick up in Auckland.
Cost of framing is estimated at $200. Framing includes conservation glass for better protection. The Kauri Project can arrange this, however, if the artwork is to be delivered, additional costs will be advised.
We will respond with details for payment.
THE KAURI PROJECT:
Art Poster Series I
Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery
Venue: Lopdell Offsite New Lynn 2014Arataki Visitor Centre, 2014
RAMP Gallery Hamilton, 2014
Bartley & Company Art Gallery, Wellington, 2014
Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery, 2015
Six Silos Auckland 2015 – Matariki Exhibition
Nathan Homestead, Manurewa, 2015
Katikati Mural & Arts Festival, 2015
Auckland Botanic Gardens
30 June - 4 August 2018
THE KAURI PROJECT:
Art Poster Series II
Gus Fisher Gallery, Auckland
2016Russell Museum 2017
Whangarei Art Museum 2017
Waikato Museum 2017-2018
Arataki Visitor Centre 2018
Nathan Homestead
30 June- 4 August 2018
THE KAURI PROJECT:
Art Poster Series III
Waikato Museum, Hamilton
December 2017 – February 2018Arataki Visitor Centre
April-June 2018Nathan Homestead
30 June - 4 August 2018