France Residency & Exhibition

Ko Tracey Tawhiao ahau Ko Mauao Te Maunga ,Ko Tauranga Te Moana, Ko Matakana Te motu, Ko Ngaiterangi, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Whakatohea nga iwi.

I've been called a fine artist, a contemporary artist, a Maori artist, a political artist, a Maori woman artist and lately an outsider artist. But what I'd call myself is A Modernist, Abstract, Cave, Painter.

I have been offered the opportunity to exhibit in Contemporain Pacifique in Le Havre, France. It is a show of contemporary Art.

I have been offered an exciting venue in an exhibition that incorporates several different sites. It is also the largest space in the show in which to create something beautiful. As well, I've been offered a residency by the Art and Design School at the university of Le Havre where I will create the entire work. This includes basic accommodation and a studio.

This exhibition is 50% funded from France.

I am asking for your help to raise the other 50% of the money for artwork production, airfares, freight packaging, insurance, some living expenses and installation of the work. You will be assisting me to bring to life a new work of art in a context that can reflect our unique perspective as Maori Artists.

There is a very tiny understanding of contemporary Maori art New Zealandly and virtually no context for it outside of New Zealand. Fortunately Le Havre University is a place that sees the pacific as a haven of progressive ideas about the natural world and their focus on our Art is such a great way to express it.

What is very fortunate is that I've also been invited to speak at the Le Havre University Conference that will run in concurrence with the shows opening. This will bring Art curators, Artists, academics and students from around Europe in situ of the exhibition and it is the best place in the world to communicate as an Artist from Aotearoa, to those, who are creating pathways for contemporary Maori Art and Artists to exist in Europe. Shows like Contemporain Pacifique are creating context for the next generation of contemporary Maori Artists.Contemporain Pacifique! Come to France! Haere mai ki a France!

You can see my art online and read about my projects by simply googling my name. 

TRACEY TAWHIAO

www.traceytawhiao.com

www.houseoftaonga.com

I thank you in advance for any support you can give to this project and I will enjoy keeping you posted on my progress in France should my call out for support here be successful.