Provocative artwork explores 'cultural exploitation'

A provocative public artwork by a Massey University Māori visual arts lecturer is sparking public discussion as the country is in the grips of Rugby World Cup fever.

Haka Peep Show is the work of internationally-recognised Ngāi Tahu artist and lecturer Rachael Rakena, and is presented in partnership by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and the Dunedin City Council.

On display in Dunedin’s Octagon, the artwork takes the form of a towering black pou (pillar) reminiscent of the Rexona black deodorant spray can – a product endorsed by the All Blacks. Visitors can insert coins into the pou to view digital video clips of haka performed by three leading exponents Selwyn Parata, Tame Iti, Wetini Mitai-Ngatai and two young Ngāi Tahu leaders Waiariki Parata-Taiapa and Taikawa Tamati-Elliffe.

Ms Rakena says the artwork considers the sexualisation and commodification of Māori and indigenous sportsmen through the use and exploitation of their masculinity and their culture, in the media.

“Haka in mainstream New Zealand, and internationally, has thrived in large part due to the haka branding of the All Blacks and the huge uptake of sponsorship and advertising in the media that exploits and promotes Māori culture.

“Haka Peep Show addresses these issues of use and exploitation of Māori intellectual and cultural property and attempts to re-contextualise the ‘rugby haka’ within a broader cultural context by showcasing other haka exponents. The coins that activate the work will go back to the kaitiaki or guardians of each haka.”

Ngāi Tahu and Dunedin City Council received support from Otago Polytechnic’s Schools of Art and Design, which have collaborated to design and build the pou. Christchurch-based Dimension Data has supplied the 3D televisions and DVD players.

Ms Rakena has also produced a second public artwork for the Rugby World Cup, called Ka Uhia Mai, which opened on September 8 in Invercargill as part of the Taste of Southland Festival.

Ka Uhia Mai is a video work that celebrates the success of New Zealand women’s rugby team through a large-scale projection on to one side of the CUE building.

“The Black Ferns have won four consecutive Women’s Rugby World Cup titles – something unparalleled in rugby history,” Ms Rakena says. “I want to acknowledge that and for the viewer to see them as strong, elite athletes and role-models; and ask themselves why they do not feature in television endorsements, sponsorship and advertising despite their remarkable international success.

“I want to offer the public a range of haka performed by Māori leaders who use haka in their everyday lives. In the context of the world cup, Haka Peep Show and Ko Uhia Mai use art to tell lesser known stories, connecting Māori, rugby and haka.”

For more information visit: http://hakapeepshow.co.nz