'Landmarks for the Landless' at Homestead Gallery

Overview

Landmarks for the Landless, an exhibition exploring the use of pouwhenua as boundary markers is opening at Homestead Gallery from Friday, December 15–Saturday, February 24, 2024.

The exhibition is a huge group effort, with artists Paerau Corneal, Zena Elliott, Tessa Harris, Chris Harvey, Ngahina Hohaia, Ngaroma Riley, Melanie Tangaere Baldwin and Janine Williams contributing to the significant work of art.

Pouwhenua, used as both a boundary marker and a traditional weapon, is treasured in Māori culture for a multitude of reasons, whether it be the commemoration of a special event or remembering people who have passed and the cultural significance of that loss.

Landmarks for the Landless examines the idea of indigeous people losing their connection with the land that was once theirs, through the idea of landlessness and homelessness. It also represents the decrease of  Māori culture in New Zealand as a whole, whether that be through diminishing use of te reo Māori or younger generations' lack of connection from their grandparents (tūpuna).

The gallery will also be running events throughout the exhibition's run to complement the idea the exhibition aims to portray. On Saturday, December 16, Māori historian and curator Matariki Williams will host a panel with the exhibitions' artists giving guests the chance to hear what the show's theme means to them.

The Homestead Gallery is open every day from 10–4pm, except public holidays. It can be found at Henderson's Corban Estate Arts Centre, at the former home of Corban's Winery. The Corban Estate Arts Centre is a pillar for Auckland's creative community, boasting over 20 artist studios as well as the Homestead Galleries, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023.