Aratoi is excited to be bringing Robyn Kahukiwa’s touring exhibition Tohunga Mahi Toi to the Wairarapa. The exhibition has toured across the North Island since 2024.
Tohunga Mahi Toi was developed in partnership with New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata and Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and Heritage and was curated by Roma Pōtiki (Te Aupōuri, Te Rarawa).
“Robyn Kahukiwa’s artworks have made a difference to Māori,” Roma says. “They have provided not only beauty and strength but inroads into our mātauranga, and the multi-layered, inter-generational and ever-evolving stories that are part of our cultural landscape.”
“Aratoi is proud to host this selection of artworks,” says director Sarah McClintock. “Her work has become an alternate visual rendering of the history of Aotearoa through the lens of a Māori woman. We are very proud that a work from our permanent collection is part of this touring exhibition – look out for Hinenuitepō and Māui when you come to visit!”
One of the leading artists of her generation, Robyn Kahukiwa was of Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti, Ngāti Hau, Ngāti Konohi, Te Whānau-a-Ruataupare, and Te Whānau-a-Te Aotawarirangi descent. She was a highly regarded New Zealand contemporary artist and award-winning author and illustrator of children’s books. “The exhibition’s title Tohunga Mahi Toi refers to Robyn’s status and expertise as an artist, valued here and internationally. It is a form of recognition,” says Roma.
Robyn Kahukiwa: Tohunga Mahi Toi is showing from 11 October until 11 January in Aratoi’s Main Gallery.
