Landmarks for the landless

Landmarks for the landless examines the increasing presence of pouwhenua, symbolic boundary markers, as public art installations that reflect Aotearoa's rich heritage and position as a central Polynesian hub. These pouwhenua evoke a sense of pride among Māori, yet their significance is multifaceted, encompassing both celebration and a reminder of lost connections to ancestral lands and the vibrant cultural legacy of the past.

Through their artwork, the artists of Landmarks for the landless delve into contemporary issues such as landlessness and homelessness, stemming from the urban migration and intergenerational disconnection from ancestral territories. The works talk to the shared experience of loss and grief, reflecting a collective mourning for the underrepresentation of the Māori language in mainstream education and a strong yearning to revive the memories of their tūpuna. They also explore the concept of pouwhenua and its profound influence on their sense of place and identity.

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View exhibition booklet and artist bios here.

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Gallery Programmes accompanying this exhibition:

15 December - Opening Preview
16 December - In Conversation: A panel discussion with the artists of ‘Landmarks for the landless’
15-19 January - Taonga with Tessa Harris (part of Summer School 2024)

Images by Ralph Brown.