Download the PDF (6.0MB) - Te Puni Kokiri

42
TOI
The launch included a traditional
Mäori blessing followed by a
pöwhiri and breakfast at Piazza
San Marco (St Mark’s Square).
“What better location than
Venice to experience the
transposition of the South
Pacifi c with such a historical
centre of Italian art. It is
fantastic that New Zealand is
here at the Venice Biennale,”
says New Zealand Ambassador
to Italy Laurie Markes.
Artists Judy Millar and Francis
Upritchard were selected to
2009
VENICE
BIENNALE
Current National Kapa Haka champions Te Waka Huia performed
through the streets of Venice, Italy recently to launch New Zealand’s
offi cial presence at the Venice Biennale 2009.
represent New Zealand at
the 53rd Venice Biennale,
the world’s oldest and most
prestigious visual arts event.
Manager of the International
Team at Creative New Zealand
Carla Van Zon says the Venice
Biennale presents an occasion
to capture an affl uent and
infl uential arts audience.
“The New Zealand presence
at the Venice Biennale is an
initiative of Creative New
Zealand. As such we are
interested in looking for
TE PUNI KÖKIRI | KÖKIRI | PIPIRI – HÖNGONGOI 2009
ways to leverage off this
prestigious event and to create
opportunities for New Zealand’s
best artists,” she says.
A “New Zealand Room” is
housed in La Maddalena, the
venue for Judy Millar’s exhibition
titled Giraffe-Bottle-Gun. The
room features design from a
selection of New Zealand’s top
designers and artists including
the work of Mäori artists
Chris Bailey, George Nuku
and Tracey Tawhiao. George
Nuku has carved a polystyrene
waharoa, while Chris Bailey has
collaborated with designer Katie
Lockhart to create furniture for
the room.
With more than 70 countries
represented in their own
pavilions, Venice will be abuzz
with VIPs, fi lm and music
celebrities, media and invited
critics, curators and collectors.
Established in 1895, the Venice
Biennale is now recognised
as being the oldest, longest
running cultural event of its kind,
attracting hundreds of thousands
of people to each event.