In 2021 I curated Moemoeā on behalf of Te Tuhi Mareikura Trust and with the support of Matāriki Tauranga Moana and The Incubator. Featuring the work of Julie Paama-Pengelly, Linda Munn, Chontelle Hohaia, Areena Smith, Israel Randell, Jera Mae, and Arpége Taratoa, Moemoeā was shown at People’s Gallery, Historic Village, Tauranga Moana.
Matariki, and each of the seven stars are represented by these seven wāhine and the contribution they make to the indigenous art arena in Tauranga Moana. The exhibition was conceptualised around Matariki as the star cluster and symbolic of the seven sisters guiding Papatūānuku to prepare for the year to come, using their unique individual vision and qualities to bring mauri to the different environments of te ao marama.
This is also a time of learning new skills and gaining new knowledge from each of the sisters; these artists from each other, which they guard and pass on to others. Moemoea was conceived as a celebration of the community of artists and the individual and collective visions of the artists under the auspices of Te Tuhi Mareikura Trust, Tauranga Moana. It also formed part of a comprehensive offering to celebrate Matariki, led by the Incubator, Tauranga Moana.
“Mehemea ka moemoeā tātou, ka taea e tātou”
Dream together so that we may rise together
Curatorial practice constitutes an important form of advocacy for Māori artists, and I believe Māori have a unique and valuable perspective to offer the arts world. I am committed to using my curatorial skills to help Māori artists tell their stories and to share their culture with a wider audience.
I enjoy the process of collaboration with artists to transform the experience of Māori artists and the value attributed to Māori community of doing this work. share Māori stories and culture with a wider audience. This is important because it helps to promote understanding and respect for Māori culture.
Julie’s curatorial projects:
‘Roundabout: 108 Artists’, Wellington, Israel, 2007-2010
‘Navigating the Now’ Whakatane Museum & Gallery, 26 June-Aug 8 2010
‘Tau-Marumaru’ Harris Fine Arts Center BYU, Utah USA 2005
‘Ta Moko is NOT Tattoo’ interactive CD Rom Artpix 3 Houston, USA, 2001
‘Nga Korero Aoteatea – Fifty Maori Artists’, Dowse Art Museum, Wellington 1999
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