Wellington, the capital city, lies on the southernmost coast of the North Island. We spent much of one day exploring the national museum: Te Papa. Virtually the entire museum is devoted to the Maori experience with additional exhibits from other Pacific region ethnic peoples.
The installation below comprises three large screens (with a mirror image configuration directly behind) on which are presented various videos, all in black and white and some quite disturbing. The installation is entitled MAU: House of Night and Day by the Samoan director/choreographer/multidisciplinary artist Lemi Poifasio.
Below MAU is a section of a large rainbow arc installation by Tiffany Singh comprised of glass orbs suspended on different-colored ribbons: each orb containing different herbs and spices.
An especially dramatic exhibit illustrated the art of “tatau” with the most striking examples being Samoan tattoos. Other photographs were of works in New Zealand and the US.
Part of a large exhibit presents art works that explore identity and cross-cultural exchange. An example (top right image) illustrates an early, and wealthy, immigrant from Scotland accompanied by his complete household and workers. Controversy surrounds the painting of the elderly seated Maori since it depicts a defeated, culturally subjugated and demoralized indigenous culture. The painting immediately below (sorry about the lack of focus) was later commissioned and depicts a forceful, defiant and proud Maori.
The last image of the metal bull constructed of the cans of beef represents a critique of colonialism (as described in the documentation below it).
Vernacular knitted art pieces adorns some of the light posts just outside the museum.
Lana has had a long-standing desire to “yarn bomb” her front yard “no parking” sign. These might inspire her to complete her fantasy.