Kainga Exhibition Explores Pacific and Maori Urbanisation

In the Māori language the word kāinga is derived from the term ahi kā, which means to keep one’s home fires burning. It is said that if a person loses touch with their roots then these fires are extinguished. Urban Kainga showcases the art of four young male artists who explore the effects of urbanisation on Māori and Pacific communities. Reweti Arapere’s work fuses knowledge of te ao Māori and te reo Māori with influences of street art and hip hop culture. Nick McFarlane considers the evolution of urban gangs as an alternative to traditional tribal groupings. Siliga David Setoga talks about his parents creating a ‘mini-Samoa’ in New Zealand, and explores the influence of mass marketing aimed at Pacific Island communities. Terry Koloamatangi Klavenes addresses the uncertainties Pacific immigrants experience when they come to Aotearoa/New Zealand. His images take us on a photographic journey, introducing us to important people and events which have shaped his identity. Urban Kainga is curated by Reuben Friend and runs from 16 January to 28 March 2010 at the new Deane Gallery, City Gallery Wellington, Civic Square, Wellington. (Image of works by Siliga David Setoga from Fresh Gallery Otara.)