Uri Tangata – Succeeding Generations

Next date: Wednesday, 12 February 2025 | 10:00 AM to Sunday, 23 February 2025 | 04:00 PM

Stunning toi is being exhibited in Coromandel town alongside work by a potter and painters.

Uri Tangata – Succeeding Generations is one part of show. It will include pieces by Dr Paakaariki “Paki” Harrison QSO, one of Aotearoa’s greatest carvers.

There will also be a ceremonial korowai (cloak) made by his wife, Tohunga Raranga Hinemoa Harrison.

The display by Harataunga (Kennedy Bay) whanau will include full-size traditional house style carvings, korowai, a treasure box, wall panels and weaving. Contemporary whakairo (carving) includes a surfboard called Te Uira, the lightning.

Kelly, Paki and Hinemoa’s daughter, says: “Uri Tangata is about celebrating our weaving and carving incorporating past, present and future generations. It’s about sharing our cultural heritage.”

This year’s Connect Four also sees the return of local trio – painter Elisabeth Carter, potter Murray Rainey and artist Julie Dann.

A lot of Murray’s work typically has a use. For this year’s show, he’s working with brighter colours and will have everything from mugs to Greek-inspired vases and jugs.

Julie is inspired by the colours of the Coromandel. She likes to use a fresh palette, such as turquoise, green and pacific blue, to capture our sky, sea and land.

Elisabeth, who is also the town’s florist, paints as her primary outlet but enjoys using other mediums. Her work is highly emotive, often with many layers and texture.

The show runs at Hauraki House, a community-led gallery, 230 Kapanga Road, Coromandel town from February 12-23 from 10am-4pm. Entry is free.

About Paki Harrison

Paakaariki “Paki” Harrison was introduced to carving at Te Aute College, Hawke’s Bay.

In the 1960s, he was a teacher in Auckland and taught carving at night. During this time, the QEII Arts Council sent him to France to present lectures and demonstrate carving.

After returning, Paki supervised 10 carved wharenui including Nga Kete Wananga at Manukau Institute of Technology and Rakairoa, Kennedy Bay marae.

Paki received the Queen’s Service Order in 2000. He showed his work at exhibitions in Italy, Japan, France, the US and Australia. He passed away in 2008.

When

Location

Hauraki House, 230 Kapanga Road, Coromandel-Colville, View Map