Two cultures contrasted

Press, 22 October 1986, Page 22

Two cultures contrasted

The native bush is the inspiration for a joint Maori carving and weaving exhibition at the C.S.A. Gallery. It was the affinity and common basis of the exhibitors’ work that prompted the exhibition. The carving in native timbers is the work of the carvers at the Riki Rangi Maori Carving Centre at the Arts Centre. The weaving is done by Vivienne Mountfort. It is a coming together of Maori and European cultures that Vivienne

Mountfort wants to explore in her weaving. The work of the two cultures contrasts and this contrast she finds inspiration for her work. She says the exhibitors want to convey the joy they get from working with craftspeople. The carvers use wood, bone and stone; the weaver wool, cotton linen and flax. “It is a celebration or the joy of creation of which craftspeople are some of the custodians for the nation. Here is an

emphasis on the positive side of the cultures a hope in the future, an affirmation of the forward looking possibilities of that future,” she says. The weavings focus on the circle as a symbol of a culture. Maori and European sections are delineated by the different materials used and eventually blend to show a merging of cultures with each retaining its own identity. The exhibition opens to the public on October 30 and runs until November 9.