“Ko Matariki maea, he ramaroa ma tātou. As Matariki re-emerges and comes into view it creates a guiding light for everyone in Aotearoa to reflect, and remember our inherent connections to the taiao, to ponder and focus on how each of us will contribute towards a sustainable future for our mokopuna.”
Sanderson are pleased to present an exhibition celebrating Matariki, curated by Jon Tootill (Ngāi Tahu). The exhibition will bring together artwork from artists across several genera-tions, and with different cultural backgrounds, expanding on what it means to celebrate Matariki in contemporary Aotearoa, while giving important acknowledgement to tangata whenua. Artists featuring in the exhibition will include Abigail Aroha Jensen (Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri), Bethany Matai Edmunds (Ngāti Kurī), Jon Tootill (Ngāi Tahu), Kate van der Drift (Pākehā), Liam Gerrard (Pākehā), Maia Keane (Ngai Tāmanuhiri, Rongowhakaata), Molly Timmins (Ngāpuhi), Simon Kaan (Ngai Tahu) and Wi Taepa (Ngāti Pikiao, Te-Roro-o-Te-Ran-gi, Te Arawa and Te Āti Awa).
“My understanding is that Māori followed a lunar calendar rather than a solar Gregorian calendar and Matariki was the time of a yearly reset. The stars offering guidance as to what the next year might bring. I think it’s a beautiful time to reconnect with the night sky and be reminded of all that could guide us.”
“Matariki and Puaka have come into our consciousness these days, with Puaka being the star that Kāi Tahu have traditionally observed. It is good that we are reconnecting with this matauraka tuku iho, which can create a broader kaupapa for us to explore together.” - Simon Kaan “ko au ko koe, ko koe ko Matariki, ko Matariki ko au.”
