Pouwhenua - Arts Reflects History at the Festival of Colour

The land around which the Festival of Colour is based is the subject of the 2009 festival’s ‘artists in residence’ project featuring four of New Zealand’s leading artists and sponsored by Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu.

In the week leading up to the festival painter Simon Kaan, jeweller Areta Wilkinson, Pasifika artist Michel Tuffery and photographer and installation artist Martin Hill will explore the pouwhenua (markers on the land) following a wananga (learning) session with Ngai Tahu’s Matapura Ellison and Brian Allingham. On their journey of discovery, they will uncover the stories and events connected to the people and the land of Lake Wanaka, both present and past.

The resulting work may be transitory and just vanish after exposure to the elements, just as history also fades from view. It may also be more permanent reminder of the people living and traveling through the region over the centuries.

The ‘artists in residence’ project will culminate with a public talk as part of the festival’s Aspiring Conversations programme on Sunday 3 May at 2pm where the four diverse personalities will discuss their findings and their individual interpretations of their discoveries.

The Festival of Colour takes place on 28 April to 3 May 2009 and is generously supported by Central Lakes Trust, The Community Trust of Otago, Creative New Zealand, Infinity Investment Group, Queenstown Lakes District Council and Aurora. For further information and ticket sales visit www.festivalofcolour.co.nz