Leading Māori ceramicist Carla Ruka brings together a collective of artists to explore the powerful symbolism of clay in a new exhibition at The Suter Art Gallery. Delving into the realm of Hineukurangi, the Māori deity of clay, this showcase offers a unique perspective on Māori culture and artistry.

He kōmiringa uku, he kōmiringa tāngata.
Like clay, The heart, mind, soul and spirit of people may be moulded.

The Whakatauākī which speaks to the value of sharing, the message being, through inspiring one, we can inspire many.

Join us on this journey, to discover how each artist brings their own whakapapa and unique connection into clay practice, sharing stories enriched in culture from individual perspectives.

Carla Ruka (Ngāti Whātua, Ngā Puhi, Tauiwi) has been a practising artist since 2000 completing her studies in Māori art and design with a focus on large-scale figurative sculptures from a Māori and wahine toa perspective. An active member of Ngā Kaihanga Uku and committee member of Auckland Studio Potters, Carla was selected as the featured artist for the 2022 Ceramics New Zealand Touring Potter Programme supported by Creative New Zealand and is profiled in Ngā Kaihanga Uku: Māori Clay Artists published by Te Papa Press with support from Toi Māori Aotearoa in 2023.

Amanda Kemp, Huia in our Hands, 2023 - Image: Liz Clarkson

This exhibition is proudly supported by Jarden.