Connect Four show with Maori toi, February 12-23 from 10am-4pm at Hauraki House Gallery, Coromandel town.
A rare opportunity is coming up to experience the work of one of our country’s most eminent carvers.
Uri Tangata – Succeeding Generations is part of this year’s return of the popular Connect Four show in Coromandel town.
It will include carvings (whakairo) by Dr Paakaariki “Paki” Harrison, who received the Queen’s Service Order in 2000 for community service.
Paki, who was named a living icon by the Arts Foundation of NZ in 2005 before his passing three years later, oversaw the building of 10 carved wharenui including the one in Kennedy Bay (Harataunga).
His carvings, a ceremonial cloak (korowai) by Hinemoa Harrison, Paki’s wife, and stunning art (toi) by their children Kelly and Fred will feature at Connect Four along with paintings by Elisabeth Carter and Julie Dann, and Murray Rainey’s pottery.
The exhibition runs at Hauraki House Gallery in Kapanga Road, Coromandel, from February 12-23 inclusive. It’s open from 10am-4pm daily. Entry is free.
Murray Rainey, a retired technician of Wyuna Bay, says: “A lot of my pottery is functional, so typically has a use.
“This year, I’m working with brighter colours and will have everything from mugs to Greek-inspired vases and jugs on show.”
Julie Dann, who runs local accommodation business Studio 531, loves having the freedom to paint, mainly in acrylics.
“I like to use a fresh palette, such as turquoise, green and pacific blue,” she explains. “They are colours which make me feel happy. I hope others feel the same way.”
Elisabeth Carter is owner-operator of Coromandel Flowers, and this source of inspiration has transferred to canvas to create a marvel of floral paintings.
“My work is highly emotive, often with many layers and texture,” she says. “A fresh and vibrant palette awaits viewers at Connect Four.”
As for the Harrisons, their exhibition space will feature pou whakairo, which are ancestors’ full-size traditional house style carvings, a treasure box (waka huia), ornamental wall panels (tukutuku), paddles (hoe) and weaving (raranga).
Contemporary works will include a carved surfboard (papa eke ngaru) called Te Uira – The Lightning.
Kelly Harrison, Paki’s daughter, says: “Uri Tangata is all about celebrating our whanau’s weaving and carving, incorporating past, present and future generations. It’s about sharing our Maori and cultural heritage.”
About Paki Harrison
Paakaariki “Paki” Harrison was the eldest of 21 children, and grew up on the North Island’s East Coast. He was introduced to carving at Te Aute College, Hawke’s Bay.
n the 1960s, he was a schoolteacher in Auckland and taught carving at night. During this time, the QEII Arts Council sent him to France to present lectures and demonstrate carving.
After returning, Paki supervised the construction of 10 carved wharenui including Tanenuiarangi at Waipapa marae, Nga Kete Wananga at Manukau Institute of Technology in Otara, and Rakairoa, Kennedy Bay marae.
In the 1980s, he lectured at the University of Auckland. Paki and his wife Hinemoa, a master weaver (tohunga raranga), received the 1997 Te Waka Toi Award for their lifetime achievements.
He published books on his wharenui, and showed his work at exhibitions in Aotearoa, Italy, Japan, France, the US and Australia, and received the Queen’s Service Order in 2000 for community service.
Paki was named a living icon by the Arts Foundation of NZ in 2005. He passed away three years later.
Check out “Waka Huia 2016 Paki Harrison” on YouTube – a 30-minute programme on him through the eyes of some of his grand-daughters.
Connect Four show with Maori toi, February 12-23 from 10am-4pm at Hauraki House Gallery, Coromandel town.
Featuring work by famous carver Dr Paki Harrison QSO, art by his family, paintings by Julie Dann and Elisabeth Carter, and pottery by Murray Rainey. This is a unique chance to see the work of Paki, who oversaw the building of many meeting houses (wharenui) in New Zealand, including at Kennedy Bay. Free entry.
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