documenta 14: Athens (April 8–July 16) and Kassel (June 10–September 17)
For the first time, works by New Zealand artists—all of whom are Māori—have been included in documenta.
A 1971 work Malady Panels by Ralph Hotere, (1931–2013) (Te Aupōuri) will be exhibited at the Neue Galerie in Kassel. Part of his series of “Black Paintings,” which he began in 1968, the panels take their title from a poem, by New Zealand poet Bill Manhire, which plays on the words “malady,” “melody” and “my lady,” implying the sickness that can accompany love.
Hotere’s “Black Paintings” took the lead from abstract painter Ad Reinhardt (1913–1967). Many are pierced by fine lines and circles, often the only hint of colour. Although wordless, Hotere’s early black paintings have been described his “most poetic works.” Later works incorporated language, primarily poetry.
Also in Kassel, Mata Aho Collective is presenting Kiko Moana at Hessisches Landesmuseum. The collective creates large-scale textile works using everyday materials iconic to Māori communities. Kiko Moana is made from light-duty blue tarpaulin which is folded, stitched and slashed using customary Māori sewing techniques. It explores how innovation becomes tradition.
The collective is Erena Baker (Te Atiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa Rangātira), Sarah Hudson (Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe), Bridget Reweti (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi) and Terri Te Tau (Rangitāne ki Wairarapa).
Nathan Pohio (Waitaha, Kati Mamoe, Ngāi Tahu) is exhibiting two large, related photographic works that share the title Raise the anchor, unfurl the sails, set course for the centre of an ever setting sun! One will be on a hilltop in Kassel and the other is in Athens at the EMST—National Museum of Contemporary Art.
Pohio reproduces two photographs taken the day that the Māori iwi (tribe) Ngāi Tahuriri once again brought their land claim to vice-regal attention. The British Governor General and his wife are in a car flanked by Ngāi Tahu leaders on horseback. The work for Kassel has been described as a mesmerising representation of an important moment in New Zealand history.
Venice Biennale (May 13–November 16)
Lisa Reihana (Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāi Tu) is presenting Lisa Reihana: Emissaries featuring the artist’s panoramic video in Pursuit of Venus [infected], 2015–17, with new interrelated photo-based and sculptural works. Reihana’s 23.5 m long by 3.3 m high work is a cinematic reimagining of the French scenic wallpaper Les Sauvages de la Mer Pacifique, 1804–05, also known as “Captain Cook’s voyages.” The New Zealand pavilion is located in Tese dell’Isolotto within the Arsenale.
London-based Francis Upritchard has seven new sculptures, drawn from human and marine life, within the biennale’s central exhibition curated by Christine Macel, VIVA ARTE VIVA.
Other exhibitions
Kate Newby is presenting at Index - Swedish Contemporary Art Foundation, Stockholm (June 3–September 3) as part of The Promise, an interdisciplinary exhibition and event series which explores the city as a social space and the role of architecture and design in shaping lives.
Hopkinson Mossman will present a new film and sculpture by Oscar Enberg within Statements at Art Basel (June 15–18).
Luke Willis Thompson has his first solo exhibition in the United Kingdom with the major new commission autoportrait, at the Chisenhale Gallery, London (June 23–August 27). Thompson raises questions around race, representation and the body as a site of political enquiry.
Shannon Te Ao (Ngāti Tūwharetoa) will present multimedia installation With the sun aglow, I have my pensive moods, 2017 at the Edinburgh Art Festival (July 27–August 27). The work explores the depths of love, grief, sickness and healing. It was commissioned by the festival and Te Tuhi Contemporary Art Trust.
Oscar Enberg and Zac Langdon-Pole are ars viva 2018 prize winners. They will exhibit at the Kunstverein München in Munich in October 2017 and at S.M.A.K in Gent, Belgium in the 2018 European spring.
