13 December 2008 - 29 March 2009

John Edgar, Max Gimblett, Brett Graham, Janet Green, Niki Hastings-McFall, Hoon Li, Simon Kaan, Virginia King, Richard Orjis, John Pule, Joe Sheehan, Young Sun Han, John Walsh

Recent scientific analysis of mitochondrial DNA has traced the origins of Maori to Taiwan.  These findings are supported by biological, archaeological, ethnographic and linguistic studies which have traced the migratory route of Maori from Asia over 5,000 years ago, through the Pacific and settling in Aotearoa New Zealand from c.1350AD. 

The ancestral relationship between Maori, Pacific Island and Asian cultures is however, a suspiciously under-celebrated story.  Instead, New Zealand’s national identity has primarily been constructed as a meeting of two cultures, Maori and European, which is recognised by the state policy of ‘biculturalism’.  The influence of Pacific Island and Asian cultures in New Zealand is considered to be a recent phenomenon resulting, in large part, from changes to immigration laws from the 1980s.  As a consequence, Maori, Pacific Island and Asian cultures are primarily regarded as distinct groups of people who contribute to ‘multiculturalism’ in New Zealand society. 

The Maui Dynasty: The Fifth Goodman Suter Contemporary Art Project asks you to consider a different history of multiculturalism in New Zealand.  This perspective positions the migratory story of Maori, from Asia and through the Pacific as a story of equal importance today as New Zealand’s colonial story.  For the purposes of this exhibition, this lineage has been titled The Maui Dynasty which references the convention of naming Asian historical periods, and the demi-god Maui, who features in cultural myths throughout the Pacific. 

By taking this theory seriously, this exhibition argues that New Zealand art is a contemporary manifestation of this ancient cultural lineage.  This not only challenges our dogged cultural allegiances to Europe but also the concept that New Zealand is a new or young culture.  More importantly, The Maui Dynasty forces a reconfiguration of cultural relationships within New Zealand and presents a new way of considering art, culture and society.

The Maui Dynasty includes new and recent work by thirteen New Zealand artists which show the influence of Maori, Pacific Island and Asian cultures.  It includes artists who descend from these cultures alongside those Pakeha artists who make reference to these cultures as an expression of their New Zealand identity.   Their art work is a reflection of personal experiences, multiple cultural identities and the complex reality cultural diversity in New Zealand society. 

Anna-Marie White

Curator

The purpose of the Goodman-Suter Contemporary Art Project is to present aspects of contemporary art practice in New Zealand.  It is staged biennially by The Suter Art Gallery since 1999 and is made possible by the generous endowment from Sir Patrick and Lady Goodman.

 This exhibition has also been supported by: