Tamatea
Paul Johnson, Artist
This is one of the
photographs
in our collection.
It was made in
Whanganui, Whanganui Region, New Zealand
in 1988.
About the Work
Part
of
a
series
of
7
works
in
the
collection.
The
artist
states:
These works document some of my sculptural activities over the past 7 years. It is a process through which I come to understanding my own history and it is a response to feelings that emerge from working on and in the Whanganui River.
According to tradition, Tamatea was the first person to explore the complete length of the Whanganui River. Tamatea was the captain of the Takitumu canoe which was part of the Great Migration of 1350. Mosquito Point is across the River from a bloody massacre many years ago. The figure is part-canoe and part woman. The figure refers to the many canoes placed vertically beside the River, and also to the many women who waited for warriors who never returned.
- Paul Johnson, Sep 1995
These works document some of my sculptural activities over the past 7 years. It is a process through which I come to understanding my own history and it is a response to feelings that emerge from working on and in the Whanganui River.
According to tradition, Tamatea was the first person to explore the complete length of the Whanganui River. Tamatea was the captain of the Takitumu canoe which was part of the Great Migration of 1350. Mosquito Point is across the River from a bloody massacre many years ago. The figure is part-canoe and part woman. The figure refers to the many canoes placed vertically beside the River, and also to the many women who waited for warriors who never returned.
- Paul Johnson, Sep 1995
Measurements
Image 330 x 490mm
Frame 548 x 738mm
Frame 548 x 738mm
Media
colour photograph
Subject Place
Description
Colour photograph showing a carved waka (or canoe prow) standing upright in the sand next to a river. There is little daylight so the riverbanks appear as silhouettes and there is mist in the hills, a strong artificial light illuminates the waka. The location is Mosquito Point next to the Whanganui River.
Credit Line
Collection of the Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui. Gift of the artist, 2001
Collection Type
Permanent collection
Acquisition Date
26 Feb 2001