September 2007,
Tena koutou katoa, greetings to you all.
This year I had the privilege of meeting with many Maori artists in their own studio or gallery in Aotearoa – New Zealand.
I traveled many miles to be able to speak with them personally and meet with them in their own surroundings; high on the mountains or even deep into the rainforests.
In this way I learnt much about their natural environment as well as the Maori spirit ( wairua) which influences them directly in their beautiful works of art.
Nature itself as well as Maori tales and traditions give them the inspiration to create exquisite Maori carvings, paintings, sculptures and weavings.
Again I was able to feel the wairua ( spirit) of the whenua ( land) myself and that reflects in my passion and ambition to represent this unique Maori culture.
I experienced several traditional ceremonies and visited many historical places where the wairua was deeply felt by me.
I feel it my mission to understand everything about the unique Maori world of art and about traditions and ceremonial values.
For years I have studied the Maori culture and continue to do so as well as the beautiful language Te Reo Maori.
All the Maori artists I have spoken with are very enthusiastic about my ambitions to promote their Maori culture to The Netherlands as well as Europe.
To be able to introduce the whole concept of Maori culture I want to represent the whole range of Maori tribal art.
So in the near future you will find here the images of artworks from many more artists who make beautiful Maori art and craft.
They all are genuine craftsmen and women who appreciate my initiatives of letting the world know more about their indigenous culture. With the powerful name Matariki I want to give shape to that privilege and want to introduce to you :
Carvers who create wooden carvings as well as pounamu and bone carvings.
Sculptors who make unique sculptures related to the Maori heritage.
Weavers creating beautiful kete, piupiu, tukutuku and many more flaxen objects.
Also I want to introduce taonga puoro – traditional instruments.
And of course more painters who are able to catch the essence of the Maori spirit on canvas.
So keep this gallery in sigth and in mind when you want to look at or even buy Maori art and artefacts.
In the near future I will arrange several exhibitions in The Netherlands, some will be open for the public, others will not be open for external public but if you seriously want to buy something I can make an appointment to be there and advise as well as explain about Maori symbolism.
I will keep you informed about new exhibitions as well as new Maori artists through this news item.
If you want to be kept updated with my news or if you want to ask questions please feel free to do so info@matariki.nl
If you are a Maori artist and are also interested in exposure and promotion, please feel free to email me j.quispel@oceania.nl
Kia ora ra, koutou katoa
Good health to you all.
Jolande Quispel
Managing Director
Matariki
