ARTPOST #41

With Waitangi Day approaching, our current exhibition Ralph Hotere: Ātete offers an excellent moment for reflection. Although Hotere was famously reticent about discussing the meanings of his work, the ripples of Te Tiriti o Waitangi can be found throughout the exhibition. Walking through Ātete recently, I was struck by the repeating presence of a large X that Hotere used in several of his works. It is a gesture that stands in direct dialogue with many artists who have addressed Te Tiriti o Waitangi in their own work, creating a point of connection with generations of artists who are considering the multiple legacies of this document. 

Alongside Ātete, DPAG has a drop in flag-making activity taking place in Playspace over Waitangi weekend. We look forward to seeing you at the Gallery.

Noho ora mai, Lucy Hammonds
Curator, Dunedin Public Art Gallery