On this page we'll provide information on the exhibition touring schedule, information for exhibitors and also links to other exhibitions created by the Ngā Hau Ngākau artists.
Touring Schedule
Here's our current schedule. We are now accepting bookings for mid-2023 onwards.
Canterbury Museum - 16th December 2023 to 28th April 2024
Past Venues
Here's where the exhibition has already been shown
Pukeariki, New Plymouth - February to July 2021
Expressions Gallery, Upper Hutt - August 2020
Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, Foxton - December 2018
Suter Art Gallery, Nelson - August 2018
Aigantighe Art Gallery, Timaru - December 2017
Exhibition Overview
This video gives an overview of the exhibition and was taken at the Suter Art gallery in Nelson.
Messages of Support
The exhibition Nga Hau Ngakau has been one of the most successful publicly enjoyed shows held at The Suter Art Gallery in the last decade. From the opening night where the crowd overflowed the gallery, the show entranced people who returned again and again to receive more from its gifts.
These were not simply displayed art works sitting singularly to be viewed one after another but rather one complete enveloping installation that immersed the visitor in its world of dark glowing paintings, complex carved taonga puoro and beautiful music.
It certainly did not feel as if it had been curated by a single mind but rather its elements had grown together into an inviting room or better still “womb” of energy that evoked timeless forces of nature.
Craig Potton, Photographer, Publisher, Chairperson Suter Art Gallery
It is nearly fifty years now since I first engaged with the creative genius of Brian Flintoff and I have observed with affection the gentle trajectory over which his art has evolved through those years. A major feature of that evolution has been his capacity to associate his work with the creative endeavour of others – in pounamu and other stone, in music both -traditional and contemporary . This gift for collaboration reflects a respect for other creativities and sets aside solitary artistic egotism in favour of a joyous explosion of variant insights fuelled by a surging generosity of spirit.
This exhibition, ‘Nga Hau Ngakau’, reflects the capacity of a group of friends to manifest a creative totality greater than the mere sum of the whole. The music of Ariana and her whanau, Bob’s music and its associated images, are all framed against the uncompromising presence and raw power of Robin’s paintings. Brian’s smaller treasures adorn the breast – truly, as the title suggests, – a new way of breathing!
Ta Tipene O’Regan. Vice chancellor (Maori) University of Canterbury, former chairman Ngai Tahu Maori Trust Board
Hosting Nga Hau Ngakau at Puke Ariki Museum was on all levels a great experience. From negotiations to installation, the opening and public events the artists were great to work with and the public delighted. The paintings, carvings and sound were stunning and are woven together wonderfully, combining to create both a gentle but powerful narrative. A timely reminder of a way to be in and experience the natural world. There were many repeat visits and more than a few tears as people were visibly moved by the immersive experience.
Colleen Mullin. Manager Puke Ariki Museum
Bob Bickerton’s music for the Nga Hau Ngakau exhibition reflects the depth of experience he has with taonga puoro. Bickerton has worked closely with Richard Nunns, whose pioneering work alongside Brian Flintoff and the late Hirini Melbourne was in large part responsible for the extraordinary contemporary renaissance in the use of taonga puoro in many genres of music.
In this exhibition three artists in painting, sculpture and music take the viewer on a journey through a magical world of image and sound, reflecting their kaupapa of collaboration and a deep respect for the avian subject matter. The bird calls, through evocative sound and music are beautifully integrated with the paintings and the intricately sculpted instruments by Flintoff, one of Aotearoa’s most respected makers of taonga puoro.”
Elizabeth Kerr. Music writer and broadcaster
Artistic and heartfelt experiments with matauranga Maori continue to grow with the work of dedicated artists Brian Flintoff, Bob Bickerton and Robin Slow with support from Ariana Tikao and whanau. An indigenous approach to life has much to offer us – a soulful way of being in the world, deep connections with natural world environments, an holistic engagement with life. I commend the ongoing commitment of these artists to this pathway – particularly Brian Flintoff who has been at the forefront of the renaissance of taonga p?oro for many years. Long may this adventure continue.
… go see ‘Nga Hau Ngakau’, breathe it in, experience it, love it.
Te Ahukaramu Charles Royal. Researcher and consultant on indigenous knowledge
The exhibition was extremely well received by the community and our visitors. Many visitors praised the exhibition, some describing it as ‘beautiful’ or ‘breath taking’, and one visitor described the exhibition as a ‘timely reminder of the importance of the natural world we live in and our responsibility to care for it’.
Hamish Pettengell
Curator, Acting Art Gallery Manager
Resources
Click this link to access information for exhibitors (password protected)
Click this link to access media information
Other Exhibitions
The artists who produced Ngā Hau Ngākau have created many exhibition projects over the years - click on this link to access free streaming of audio and videos as well as being able to download printed catalogues from these exhibitions.