Rakau - An exhibition that explores natures own design

‘Rakau’ (wood) is a vehicle of expression for artists Robbie Graham, Delani Brown & Eleazar Bramley of Taupō and Hawkes Bay artist Leanne Culy. History, time, nature, nostalgia and story telling is a synergy these artist share.

The contemporary carving and impressive work of Delani Brown holds fast to the strands of traditional Māori knowledge.

Robbie Graham’s distinctive style, clear understanding of his medium, his techniques and skill create sculptural forms in wood that give an illusion of the nearly impossible.

Eleazar Bramley’s compulsive attention to detail executed in ball point pen on recycled rimu veneer, transform the banal to the wondrous connecting threads of the past to the present.

While Leanne Culy’s thoughtful manipulation of nostalgic images of New Zealand, Māori imagery and religious icons on to wooden oars create a new bicultural commentary. “My oars are decorative, they do tell a story, as a totem would. They often focus on the positive, but with an under lying note of concern. Sometimes they are a vehicle for my environmental grievances, so I often focus on nostalgic images of New Zealand the way it was, as my form of protest. 
I like to combine European & Māori imagery to tell a story of togetherness & the things that bond us”.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired at Taupo Museum.

Rakau 4th November – 6th Dec 2011