March 27, 2021
The Auckland Art Gallery (Toi o Tamaki) is the principal public art gallery in Auckland. The original gallery that was constructed in 1887 in French Renaissance style has been through a number of extensions and renovations, culminating in a massive extension in 2011 that increased the exhibition space by 50%. It is a beautiful addition and the redevelopment has received numerous international architectural awards, including the World Architecture Festival’s 2013 World Building of the Year. We were accompanied on our visit by Mal’s cousin, Annette, and her husband, Neil. Neil just happens to have been one of the architects that worked on the 2011 redevelopment so it was nice to explore the building with one of the people who made it possible.
At the moment the gallery is showing a massive exhibit of contemporary Maori art. If you live in the Auckland area and have not yet seen the exhibit then delay no longer. It is one of the best exhibits that we have ever seen. For those that aren’t able to make the exhibit here are photos of our favorite pieces. Of course, it’s not like seeing the works in person and its impossible to get the color and scale and texture of the original works but it will give you an idea of the strength and versatility to contemporary Maori art. We’ll start with Lauren’s favorite work, a beautifully shot movie portraying the Maori creation myth, created by Lisa Reihana
Mal and Lauren 