Parekowhai reveals his work for upcoming Venice Biennalle
1 min read
(Waatea News) Artist Michael Parakowhai (Nga Ariki/Ngati Whakaronga) has revealed how he will represent New Zealand at next year’s Venice Biennalle.
The Te Aitanga a Mahaaki sculptor will is casting two bronze bulls which, with an intricately-carved Steinway concert grand piano, a figure from his Kapa Haka series and a small bronze olive tree sapling, will form an installation at a palazzo on the grand Canal.
Jenny Harper, New Zealand’s Venice Biennale commissioner, says it will make the country proud at what is the Olympics of the art world.
The grand piano is very much a European achievement if you like, an achievement in the music field, its a Steinway piano. Hes carved it with intricate Maori patterns, kind of like a waka huia, beautifully carved. This piano will be taken back to Venice where it will sit not far from the Grand Canal and hopefully be heard being played, Ms Harper says.
She says the Venice Biennale is the cornerstone of Creative New Zealand’s international visual arts strategy.
